‘Arshdeep will get his chance to play Tests’

Will he or won’t he? That was the question lingering on everyone’s mind during the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, where India fought back to draw the gruelling Test series 2-2.

Given the conditions in England — aided by overcast skies and swing-inducing winds — many expected Punjab left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh to finally make his much-anticipated Test debut.

But the 26-year-old was left to cool his heels in the dressing room, his wait continuing in frustration.

Punjab’s bowling coach Gagandeep Singh, who has worked closely with Arshdeep over the years, spoke about the pacer’s development and his disappointment at not getting a chance to don the whites for the country.

Speaking to the media, Gagandeep shared insights into Arshdeep’s bowling evolution and the emotional toll of warming the bench despite being on the cusp of selection.

“When I joined the Punjab team, Arshdeep had just come off a season of playing primarily T20 cricket.

“The line and length in the shortest format are completely different from those required in red-ball cricket. The mindset, too, changes — because in T20s, the focus is often on containing runs rather than actively going for wickets.

“But in the longer format, that approach doesn’t work. In red-ball cricket, about 90 percent of your deliveries need to be your stock ball—consistent line and length are also required in the longer format, as it demands patience.

“So, the focus was on tightening his line and length, spot bowling, and improving wrist position. We worked on those aspects to encourage natural swing.”

Chance

“I personally felt he should’ve been given a chance in England. We spoke a few months ago when he was in England. He was feeling a bit restless and impatient about not getting an opportunity in the Test side.

“ I told him ‘you have to wait for your time. Test cricket is different — it tests your skills and temperament in a way no other format does, but I believe his skillset is very well suited for red-ball cricket too. Given his height, natural ability to swing the ball, and improved control,” said Gagandeep.