Arshdeep Singh has played 4 red-ball games in a season. The red ball still rides in his kit

Arshdeep Singh, a left-arm seamer for India, has only played four red-ball games in the current season. Despite his ability to move the ball both ways, a Test cap remains elusive for the player who made his white-ball debut four years ago and his first-class debut nearly eight years ago. During the last England tour, he came close to making his Test debut, but an injury ended his tour.

If he makes North Zone's XI for the upcoming Duleep Trophy semi-final against South Zone, it will be the first time he plays back-to-back long-format matches since October 2024. Arshdeep's goal is to represent India in all three formats, but red-ball cricket offers him limited opportunities. He believes that every player wants to play all formats, and when the time is right, it will come.

Arshdeep's performance in North Zone's 52-run win over West Zone showcased his skills and earned them a win. Since Jayden Unadkat played the two Tests in West Indies in 2023, India hasn't fielded a single left-arm seamer in their XI, indicating Arshdeep's standing in the race for a Test cap.