Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Arshdeep Singh Uses Duleep Trophy Return to Pursue Test Chance
Arshdeep Singh is an Indian fast bowler who has played many shorter cricket matches but no Test matches yet.
Test cricket uses a red ball and lasts much longer.
He carries a red ball in his kit so he can practise when he gets an opportunity.
He does not get to play red-ball cricket very often because India has many white-ball matches.
In the Duleep Trophy, he played for North Zone against West Zone.
He bowled in both innings and took four wickets.
North Zone won the match by 52 runs.
Arshdeep said he wants to show that he can bowl many overs and help India in Test cricket.
His next possible opportunity is a semifinal against South Zone.
Arshdeep Singh remains without a Test debut despite playing 18 ODIs and 91 T20Is for India.
He took four wickets as North Zone defeated West Zone by 52 runs in the Duleep Trophy quarter-final.
Limited red-ball opportunities have left him playing only four such fixtures during the 2024-25 season.
Arshdeep said he trained with a red ball before the tournament and wanted to test his stamina and skills.
He could face South Zone in the semifinal if selected and fit, giving him another chance to build a Test case.
- Who
- India pacer Arshdeep Singh, playing for North Zone; South Zone is the scheduled semifinal opponent.
- What
- Arshdeep is using a rare Duleep Trophy appearance to demonstrate his red-ball skills and pursue a Test opportunity.
- When
- During the Duleep Trophy; the semifinal was scheduled to begin on Sunday.
- Where
- The quarter-final was played in Bengaluru, with North Zone advancing to face South Zone.
- Why
- Arshdeep wants to represent India in all three formats and has had few chances to play red-ball cricket.
- International record
- Arshdeep has played 18 ODIs and 91 T20Is for India but has not made his Test debut.
- Quarter-final result
- North Zone defeated West Zone by 52 runs.
- Arshdeep's figures
- He took 3/53 and 1/40, finishing with four wickets.
- Recent red-ball involvement
- He played four red-ball fixtures during the 2024-25 season.
- Possible next match
- North Zone was scheduled to play South Zone in a Duleep Trophy semifinal, subject to Arshdeep's selection and fitness.
- County experience
- Arshdeep played five matches for Kent in 2023.
- Previous Test consideration
- India's team management considered him for the XI during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy before an injury ended his tour.
