Head of selection committee Ajit Agarkar announced India's squad for the upcoming five-match Test assignment against England on Saturday which is set to begin from June 20. Many changes were made in the 18-member squad as Shubman Gill was made the new Test captain while Rishabh Pant was made his deputy. Also, both Sai Sudharsan and Arshdeep Singh got their maiden Test call-ups.
Arshdeep Singh hasn't made his Test debut
Arshdeep, who hasn't played a single international match in the longest format so far, has featured in a total of 63 matches in the shortest format and has picked up 99 scalps. There are chances that the left-arm pacer will make his Test debut in the series against England as he has proven to be effective with the new ball in the other two formats.
Arshdeep also played County cricket in the year 2023 and featured in five matches for Kent in Division 1. He ended up picking a total of 13 scalps for the team.
"He's a quality bowler and has had a taste of county as well. he plays domestic when he can. A tall guy, can bowl with the new ball, has body of work in red-ball cricket and in recent form in the last couple of years. Bumrah unlikely to play all five Tests, we needed a bit of variety," Agarkar said at the press conference.
Agarkar had earlier confirmed that Bumrah will not be playing in every match of the upcoming Test assignment against the Three Lions. The former India cricketer stated that the star pacer's availability in the series will depend on his workload.
"Don't think he'll be available for all five Tests. Whether it's four or three, we'll see based on how the series goes and his workload is. Even if he's fit for 3-4 Tests, he'll be an asset for us. Just happy he's part of the squad," Agarkar said at the press-conference," Agarkar stated.
Bumrah's unavailability can open the gates for Arshdeep's Test debut as the 26-year-old is likely to be handed his first-ever Test cap in the upcoming series. Another reason why the left-arm pacer can make it to India's playing XI is due to the fact that pitches in England favour the seamers more than the turners.