Arshdeep Singh reveals Test cricket ambitions, recalls chat with Jasprit Bumrah

Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has expressed his ambition to play in all three formats of cricket, including Tests, citing his early experience with red-ball cricket as a driving factor. Reflecting on his journey, Arshdeep recalled a conversation with senior bowler Jasprit Bumrah, during which the Test vice-captain inquired about his aspirations to play Test cricket.

Speaking at the ‘Champions’ session of Agenda AajTak on Saturday, 14 December, Arshdeep emphasised his desire to don the whites for India. His comments followed praise from World Cup-winning all-rounder Suresh Raina, who lauded the left-arm seamer’s skills and predicted a bright future for him in Test cricket.

Arshdeep made his debut for India in the T20I format in July 2022 and later featured in ODIs. However, the promising fast bowler is yet to receive a Test call-up.

“As a player, we all start with red balls. At the age-group level, we play only with the red ball. The first thing you hold is a red ball. It’s fun bowling with the red ball because it swings at the start. And when you maintain it well, you can swing it when it’s old also. It is a different joy,” Arshdeep said.

“If you represent the country in all three formats, it’s huge.

“I was speaking about this to Jasprit Bumrah once. He asked me, ‘What is your mindset? Do you want to play all three formats?’ I said, ‘Yes, I am very keen on playing all three formats and I want to win more and more matches for India’,” he added.

There had been speculation that Arshdeep would be included in India’s squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. However, he was overlooked, with Harshit Rana and Nitish Kumar Reddy earning their Test debuts in the series against Australia.

Arshdeep has proven his mettle in domestic cricket, having represented Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and impressed in the Duleep Trophy. He picked up 13 wickets in three matches in Duleep Trophy 2024, finishing among the top five wicket-takers.

ARSHDEEP SHOULD HAVE GONE TO AUSTRALIA: RAINA

At Agenda AajTak, Suresh Raina explained why he believes Arshdeep has the potential to follow in the footsteps of legendary Indian left-arm seamers such as Zaheer Khan, Ashish Nehra, and RP Singh in Test cricket.

“After a long time, I saw a tall fast bowler from North India. He is six foot four, he has good swing, reverse swing. He gives it his all when bowling. From my heart, I am saying Arshdeep Singh should play Test cricket. He has a unique angle to flourish with the red ball. There was Zaheer Khan, then Ashish Nehra, RP Singh, Wasim Akram. Arshdeep has a wrist position and action that will suit Test match cricket,” Raina said.

“He should have gone to Australia. But there are big series coming up. India are going to England. He will be useful in getting those breakthroughs with the new ball and the old ball. He has it in him,” Raina added.

Arshdeep, who played a pivotal role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph, is widely regarded as one of the finest T20 bowlers in the world. In just 60 matches, he has taken 95 wickets, becoming India’s most successful fast bowler in T20Is – a milestone he achieved in a recent T20I series against South Africa.