Arshdeep Singh expressed his desire to represent India across all three formats after playing a red-ball match for North Zone in the Duleep Trophy 2026-27.
The left-arm quick took four wickets in the game, combining effectively with spinner Abid Mushtaq to help North Zone secure a win over West Zone and advance to the semifinals.
Arshdeep, who has represented India in 18 ODIs and 91 T20Is so far, viewed the domestic red-ball fixture as a rare chance to test his stamina, workload, and skill set.
“I’ve been saying that since day one, as a player when you start playing, the goal is always to represent India, be it any format. And I’m no exception, I also want to play all three formats and very rarely do I get a chance to play red ball cricket. This was a chance and I just wanted to showcase my skill set and just see how many overs I can bowl and nice to get the win as well,” Arshdeep said in an exclusive chat with The Indian Express.
Arshdeep missed a potential Test debut during India's tour of England last year after sustaining an impact injury to his left thumb during a training session.
The 27-year-old believes his opportunity to play Test cricket will come naturally when the time is right. He values multi-day cricket because it offers bowlers a second chance to make an impact even if their first spell does not go well.
“I mean, every player is eager to play all the formats, but when the time is right, it will come eventually. Red ball has that beauty of giving you a chance again, and if you feel you’re not in the game in the first spell, there’s always a chance to come back and take wickets in the second spell, and you’re always in the game. You always have a chance to prove and change the game by delivering for the team,” Singh stated.
Since Jaydev Unadkat’s appearance in the two Tests during the 2023 tour of West Indies, India haven’t fielded a single left-arm seamer in their playing XI.
Arshdeep opened up about the message he has received from the Indian team management regarding a 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,” he revealed.
Arshdeep Singh has played 23 first-class matches so far, claiming 71 wickets at an average of 30.26, including two five-wicket hauls.
