New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is hoping his return to first-class cricket through the Duleep Trophy can strengthen his case for a Test debut, saying the competition has allowed him to demonstrate both his bowling skills and stamina in the red-ball format.
Arshdeep, who has represented India in 18 ODIs and 91 T20Is, is yet to play a Test. His recent focus on white-ball cricket has restricted his opportunities in first-class matches, with almost a year separating his 22nd and 23rd appearances.
The 27-year-old made the most of his opportunity in the 2026 Duleep Trophy quarter-final against West Zone in Bengaluru. He bowled sustained spells across both innings and returned figures of 3/53 and 1/40 as North Zone secured a 52-run victory.
“Very rarely do I get the chance to play red-ball cricket, and this was a chance. I wanted to showcase my skill set and just see how many overs I can bowl. The rhythm feels nice. After a long time, I was playing a red-ball game,” Arshdeep said after the match, according to Cricinfo.
He added that the physical toll was welcome after contributing to the team’s victory.
Arshdeep also revealed that he had tailored his preparation specifically for the tournament, switching to red-ball bowling in training after spending much of his recent career in white-ball cricket.
“This time around, I knew the Duleep Trophy was coming, I was practising with red ball. When white-ball season is coming, then you practice with the white ball. It’s very specific training based on what kind of season is coming in front of you,” he said.
For Arshdeep, one of the defining attractions of red-ball cricket is the opportunity to challenge batters repeatedly. North Zone head coach Ajay Sharma reminded him of that aspect before the match.
“Even if you don’t get wickets with the new ball, you have a chance to come back in the second spell. Red ball has that beauty of giving you a chance again,” Arshdeep recalled Sharma telling him.
The left-arm pacer has also experienced first-class cricket in England, having played five matches for Kent in 2023. He believes county cricket remains valuable for his development but acknowledged that India’s packed domestic and franchise calendar makes another stint difficult.
“Whenever you get a chance, whenever there is a time frame you can go to England to play county cricket, that is a really good experience,” he said, while pointing to the IPL, India’s home white-ball season and domestic cricket commitments as competing priorities.
Arshdeep also spoke about the tactical demands of bowling in Bengaluru, where an overcast atmosphere did not translate into conventional seam assistance and the pitch instead offered encouragement to spinners.
“On wickets like this, you just have to play with the mind. Sometimes you get success, sometimes you get hit for across-the-line six as well. So you got to take both and just keep trying,” he said.
He stressed that bowlers must adapt according to the conditions, with patience required when the pitch offers seam or swing and greater tactical variation needed on flatter surfaces.
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