Why Arshdeep Singh Must Debut in the 1st Test vs England – It’s Now or Never for India’s Left-Arm Ace

Let’s be real – Test tours to England are no picnic. The swinging conditions, the Duke’s ball doing all sorts of things, the gloomy skies, and the hostile crowd – it is the ultimate red-ball challenge. Therefore, as India gears up to commence their 2025 Test series at Headingly, a particular left-arm seamer must be licking his lips at the prospect of finally making his Test debut. Yes, Arshdeep Singh.

County Cricket Experience: More Than Just Numbers

Arshdeep will not be stepping into English conditions on a blank slate. Straight after IPL 2023, he packed his bags and joined Kent for a county stint – a move that screamed “I want to play Test cricket.” His numbers (13 wickets in 5 matches at 41.76) are not going to feature on the stat nerd’s all-time best list, but what is more significant is in showing how he was able to adapt.

It is all about patience, persistence, and how long you can bowl long, searching spells. Arshdeep’s experience at the county has done just that for him – it has been an extended audition in the toughest situation. He has begun to be able to swing the Duke ball late, learn when to vary his lengths, and, most importantly, bowl with a red-ball mentality. That is a king’s ransom for a young fast bowler.

With India’s batting unit looking a little unsettled, having bowlers who have already faced the grind in England would help. Arshdeep is no longer a novice – he is red-ball ready.

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Swing, Seam & Versatility – Arshdeep Has It All

Let’s discuss assignments. Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are essentially the ones you want to end this discussion with, but who is going to fill the pace contingent? You could have Prasidh Krishna – tall, quick, and coming off a Purple Cap in the IPL, or you have Arshdeep – the guy with the ability to swing it either way and hit the deck if necessary.

Here’s the situation – England is not Australia or South Africa. It favors bowlers who can pitch it up, let the ball do its stuff, and strike early, and that is what Arshdeep is best at. He may not express pace, but he has angles, uses the crease, and doesn’t depend on the new ball, which is a massive plus when Bumrah and Siraj have already taken the shine off.

Moreover, his late-swinging ability makes him a threat, even in benign conditions. Against batters who have grown up in the English circuit, nuance is vital, and Arshdeep brings that.

A Left-Arm Angle India Badly Needs

India has not consistently had a left-hand fast bowler since… Zaheer Khan on their Test side. So, where did Zaheer have his most famous Test series? Yep, England, 2007, leading wicket taker. Fast forward nine years, in 2025, India can have that selection, and justifiably so, with Arshdeep.

Left-arm fast bowlers offer a different challenge. The angle they bowl from across the batter, the ability to swing it back towards the batter, the unconventional variation and angle they bring – it is a disruption to the rhythm, particularly for right-handers. England are in search of one too, with Josh Hull being the latest debutant.

It’s not just the wicket-taking threat, either. Having a left-arm seamer also disrupts rhythm, allows for tactical match-ups, and provides flexibility in tactics. If Bumrah and Siraj bowl from one side, Arshdeep offers a different issue from the other side – a complete change-up.

So, what are we waiting for? If not now, when? Would you give Arshdeep his Test cap in Leeds? Let us know in the comments!