Pratiksha Ghosh
New Delhi May 22 2025: After a standout season in the IPL, left-arm pacer ,Arshdeep Singh is firmly on the radar of the national selectors for India’s upcoming five-Test tour of England. The Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel is believed to have identified Arshdeep as a key option to bolster India’s pace attack, especially with fitness concerns surrounding pace spearheads Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.
Arshdeep, known for his ability to swing the ball both ways, has reportedly been informed to stay prepared for a possible Test debut. His consistent performances in IPL 2025 — 16 wickets in 11 innings at a strike rate of 15.1, have underlined his growth as a bowler who can adapt beyond the T20 format.
His recent form, including a standout performance in the chilly conditions of Dharamsala where he dismantled the Lucknow Super Giants’ top order, has impressed the selectors. The 26-year-old’s variations and control over swing have troubled both left and right-handers, making him a valuable addition in English conditions.
Adding weight to his Test credentials is his 2023 stint with Kent in the County Championship, where he claimed 13 wickets across five matches. That exposure to the Dukes ball and English conditions proved vital in developing his red-ball game. Encouraged by then-head coach Rahul Dravid, Arshdeep used that opportunity to refine his ability to bowl long spells and hit consistent lengths.
The selectors believe Arshdeep's left-arm angle brings a crucial variety to India’s pace unit. While some have questioned whether he can sustain his rhythm and intensity across full days of Test cricket, former India head coach Ravi Shastri disagrees with the notion of labeling Arshdeep a “white-ball specialist.”
Speaking on The ICC Review, Shastri said, “If Arshdeep can give me 15-20 overs a day, he is definitely in the reckoning. He’s got the mindset, he’s a smart bowler, and we need that left-arm option.”
Although he played just two matches for Punjab in the previous Ranji Trophy season, Arshdeep’s skill set and temperament have given the selectors confidence in his red-ball potential. With the England series set to test India’s depth, Arshdeep’s inclusion could be a strategic move aimed at adding fresh firepower to the attack.
