India’s T20I specialist Arshdeep Singh is eager to play Test cricket. More than a couple of weeks ahead of the T20I series against Afghanistan, he is representing North Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2026. In the quarterfinal clash, he took three wickets against West Zone in a winning cause and play in the semifinal against South Zone. After the 52-run win over West Zone, the left-arm pacer has revealed the message from the Gautam Gambhir-led team management to earn his debut Test cap.
“I mean the message is to perform wherever you get a chance and just keep delivering, and when the time is right, you will get your chance,” Arshdeep revealed in a conversation with Indian Express.
How Arshdeep performed in Duleep Trophy fixture?
In the first innings, Jaiswal struck early with the new ball, dismissing Harvik Desai for a single-digit score. Then, he ended Musheer Khan's resistance, getting him out caught behind. He returned to dismiss Shardul Thakur and helped his side bowl out West Zone for 87. He bowled a total of 14 overs including one maiden and conceded 53 runs.
He bowled just seven overs in West Zone's second innings as spin played a bigger role. However, with the new ball, he dismissed Desai again.
Arshdeep is eager to play all formats for Team India. He believes that red-ball cricket gives chances to bowlers to make a comeback and take wickets despite not being successful in first spell.
The maiden Test call-up has continued to elude Arshdeep. In 2023, he joined Kent and played County cricket on advise of former head coach Rahul Dravid.
Recent left-arm pacers in India Test team
The last time a left-arm pacer played a Test for India was Jaydev Unadkat. A proven performer in domestic cricket, Unadkat's comeback to Test team did not last long. After him, left-arm Yash Dayal received maiden Test call-up for Bangladesh Test series. However, he did not get to make his debut.
Arshdeep’s first-class numbers
The 27-year-old pacer has played 23 first-class games so far and bagged 71 wickets at an average of 30.26, including two fifers.
India’s left-arm pacers in Test cricket 21st century
In the past two decades, India have had four left-arm pacers who have taken Test wickets in double digits. Zaheer Khan had a long stay with 311 wickets from 92 Tests. He is followed by Irfan Pathan with 100 scalps from 29 Tests. Ashish Nehra's red-ball career was marred by injuries with 44 wickets from 17 Tests. RP Singh's red-ball career did not flourish either. He took 40 wickets from 14 Tests.