(AP Photo)
Arshdeep Singh emerged as a pivotal figure in India’s triumph at the T20 World Cup 2024, claiming the highest number of wickets with 17 scalps across eight matches. His contributions were instrumental in India reclaiming the ICC trophy after an 11-year hiatus, marking their return as T20 World Cup champions after 17 years.
Post the victory, the 25-year-old left-arm pacer expressed aspirations to transition into Test cricket for India, underscoring his ambition and versatility in the sport. With a solid record of 49 wickets from 16 first-class matches, Arshdeep’s potential has drawn attention, including from former India head coach Paras Mhambrey. Mhambrey highlighted that Arshdeep’s prospects in Test cricket hinge significantly on the playing conditions. While he could see opportunities for Arshdeep in a four-man pace attack scenario, especially in places like Australia, Mhambrey noted the challenges the young bowler might face in making the Test squad for matches held in India.
“It depends on the conditions. Maybe in Australia, if we play four seamers, he has a chance. To get one in India will be very difficult at the moment,” Mhambrey was quoted as saying.
According to the former India bowling coach, Arshdeep would benefit from additional experience in first-class cricket to further hone his skills, particularly in mastering swing bowling techniques, including the art of reverse swing.
“I feel he just needs a little more game time in first-class cricket, just to get control over his swing and also know how to use reverse-swing, which will be very handy. He has the swing that works for him. It is about maintaining fitness and working on it. At the moment, he may not be a starter in Tests, but he isn’t far away,” Mhambrey added.
Arshdeep debuted for India in T20Is on July 10, 2022, facing England in Southampton. Since then, he has featured in 52 T20I matches and six ODIs for the national team. Hailing from Punjab, Arshdeep has amassed a total of 79 wickets, placing him among India’s top five wicket-takers in T20Is.
