Arshdeep Singh Prepares for England Test Series with Insights from Training

Insights from India's Training Session

Left-arm fast bowler Arshdeep Singh shared valuable insights regarding India's training ahead of the crucial Test series in England, which is set to commence at Headingley on June 20.

Arshdeep has been included in the Test squad, stepping in for Harshit Rana and Mohammed Shami as India embarks on its first challenge of the new World Test Championship cycle. The left-arm pacer has joined forces with Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, and Mohammed Siraj, forming a formidable bowling unit while honing his skills against Indian batters during practice.

Competitive Spirit Among Bowlers and Batters

In a recent training session, Arshdeep faced off against newly appointed Test captain Shubman Gill and promising talent Sai Sudharsan, a challenge he thoroughly enjoyed and hopes to maintain.

"There was a strong sense of competition with the batters. We had a great time. As bowlers, we needed to strategize effectively to dismiss the batters. Sai, who is new to the team, appeared solid, and the skipper looked sharp. I aim to keep the banter going while dismissing them frequently," Arshdeep mentioned in a video shared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).

Getting Back into Test Match Rhythm

For the 26-year-old bowler, the primary goal was to readjust his body to the demands of Test cricket after an extended period focused on white-ball formats.

"The main aim was to get my body back into rhythm and to feel how the red ball behaves. Many players have been engaged in white-ball cricket for a while. As we progress, the intensity will ramp up, and we will strive to challenge the batters more," he added.

Arshdeep's familiarity with the conditions stems from his previous experience in the County Championship. Following a successful IPL 2023 season where he took 17 wickets, he joined Kent and claimed 13 wickets in five matches at an average of 41.76.

Collaborating with Jasprit Bumrah

With his past experience in mind, Arshdeep is poised to earn his first Test cap and bowl alongside the renowned Jasprit Bumrah. While he acknowledges Bumrah's status as one of the best in the world, Arshdeep remains focused on their shared goal of enhancing each other's skills.

"Whenever I take the ball, I believe I am the best. However, when a player like Jasprit Bumrah is part of the attack, comparisons are futile. The primary focus is on improving our skill sets and contributing to the team's success," he stated.

India's Test Squad for the England Series

The Indian Test squad for the upcoming series in England includes: Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Karun Nair, Nitish Reddy, Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, Arshdeep Singh, and Kuldeep Yadav.