Arshdeep Singh finds right pace to enjoy flourishing India career in the fast lane

Speaking to the press in New Delhi ahead of the second T20I between India and Bangladesh, Arshdeep Singh said he has learnt the importance of staying in the present and riding the highs and lows of the sport. Arshdeep has evolved into one of the leading bowlers for India in T20Is with speculation about a potential place in the Test side

In Short

• Arshdeep Singh said he has learnt the importance of staying in the present
• Arshdeep played down speculation about his Test debut
• No Indian bowler has taken more T20I wickets than Arshdeep since the pacer's debut in 2022

Fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has evolved into one of the most reliable bowlers in T20I cricket. Having made his debut in 2022, Arshdeep is already among the leading wicket-takers of India in the shortest format of the game. In his nascent career, Arshdeep has gone through several highs and lows, and it has only helped him understand the importance of staying in the present, the pacer said on Tuesday, October 8.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi ahead of India's second T20I against Bangladesh, Arshdeep Singh said he was not willing to look too far ahead and enjoy every opportunity he gets to represent the senior national team.

After impressing in the T20 World Cup with 17 wickets, the left-arm pacer shone in the tour of Sri Lanka. Arshdeep also played red-ball cricket, picking up 13 wickets in the Duleep Trophy. Arshdeep shone in the final round of the Duleep Trophy for India D, picking up nine wickets, including a six-wicket haul in the second innings.

"I am enjoying my game and didn't even realise how these two years flew by. I just try and stay in the present, enjoy the highs and lows, that is my focus," Arshdeep said.

"My life's mantra is to enjoy the present. Today is my rest day, so I will enjoy my rest today. Kal ka Kal dekhenge (Will think about tomorrow when it comes). The T20 World Cup is two years away, very far I don't think much about the future," he added.

ARSHDEEP CLIMBING THE LADDER

Arshdeep Singh has taken 86 wickets in 55 matches at an average of 18.26. Barring Hong Kong's Ehsan Khan, no bowler has taken more wickets than Arshdeep since the Punjab pacer made his debut in July 2022. Arshdeep needs only four more wickets to set a new Indian record for most wickets in T20Is in a calendar year.

The young pacer took 86 wickets in 55 matches at an average of 18.26. Barring Hong Kong's Ehsan Khan, no bowler has taken more wickets than Arshdeep since the Punjab pacer made his debut in July 2022.

Arshdeep is in fifth spot in the all-time leading wicket-takers for India, 10 wickets behind leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal. Arshdeep needs five more wickets to become the most successful fast bowler for India in T20I cricket.

Despite having been impressed with the white ball and made his mark early in red-ball cricket, Arshdeep is not thinking too far ahead. Speculation is rife about his selection for the tour of Australia with India looking for a left-arm option, but Arshdeep ducked a bouncer while addressing the media in the capital city.

"I want to do my best in all the formats wherever I get the opportunity," he said, keeping it simple.