(AFP Photo)
Arshdeep Singh was in sensational form for India throughout the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. The skilled left-arm pacer featured in all eight matches for the Rohit Sharma-led squad in the tournament held across the West Indies and the USA. His outstanding performance saw him claim 17 wickets, making him the joint-highest wicket-taker of the competition. Following India’s triumph in reclaiming the T20 World Cup after 17 years, the 25-year-old from Punjab expressed his ambition to represent India in Test cricket.
Recent reports suggest that his dream might soon come true, as there is strong speculation that Arshdeep could earn a spot in India’s Test squad for the upcoming prestigious series against Australia later this year.
India is gearing up for a challenging five-match series against Australia, the reigning champions of the World Test Championship, scheduled to be held Down Under. A recent report in the Times of India, dated Thursday (July 25), indicates that selectors are eyeing Arshdeep Singh for a spot in the Test squad. Discussions are reportedly underway regarding his inclusion in the team for the upcoming red-ball series.
“Arshdeep has moved the ball impressively in white-ball matches for India. He could be asked to play a few domestic red-ball games, starting with the Duleep Trophy on September 5, to enhance his chances of selection for the Australia tour. There’s a real chance that he could be India’s trump card, along with (Jasprit Bumrah, in Australia,” a source was quoted as saying by TOI.
“In fact, the selectors are keen on another left-arm pace option in the white-ball side at least, which is why Khaleel Ahmed toured Zimbabwe and has been picked for both the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka,” the source added.
Arshdeep, who marked his international debut for India in July 2022 against England in Southampton, has already accumulated valuable experience across formats. He boasts six ODIs and 52 T20Is under his belt, with 10 and 79 wickets respectively. In addition, the young talent has showcased his skills in 16 first-class matches, where he has taken a total of 49 wickets.
India tour of Australia starts on November 22
In contrast to the previous tour in 2020–21, India is set to face Australia in a marathon five-Test series this time around, kicking off at Perth Stadium on November 22. Having clinched victory in their last two Test series Down Under, India will be determined to secure a historic hat-trick of wins on Australian soil.
