Arshdeep Singh plays down speculation about Test selection for Australia tour

Arshdeep Singh has played down speculation over his selection in the Test team for the Border Gavaskar Trophy series. He is currently leading India's bowling attack for the T20I series against Bangladesh.

In Short

• Arshdeep Singh leads India's bowling attack for T20I series against Bangladesh
• He won the Player of the Match in 1st T20I in Gwalior
• Arshdeep is yet to make his debut in Tests for India

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh played down the speculations over his selection in the Indian Test side for tour to Australia. The anticipation for the Border Gavaskar Trophy series is an all-time high as India travels to Australia for a 5-match Test series for the first time in 33 years. There were reports that Arshdeep Singh could be introduced into the Indian Test side during their home Test series against Bangladesh and New Zealand. However, the Indian team went with a pace attack featuring Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Aakash Deep Singh.

The speedster honed his red-ball skills during the ongoing domestic season as he played in the Duleep Trophy 2024 for India D. He also made a strong case for himself with his performance in the Duleep Trophy 2024, but doesn't want to think too much into it. "I want to do my best in all the formats wherever I get the opportunity," he said during the pre-match press-conference.

Arshdeep Singh hons red-ball skills

Asked what difference he has felt in his white-ball skills since becoming an all-format player, Arshdeep said, "I enjoy that we can see how quickly you can adapt to the conditions, ground dimensions and format.It gives opportunity to the players to explore their skills. How he can take wickets in different ways, how to absorb pressure.

"Playing in different formats teaches players a lot. In red ball, you get more overs to bowl, it teaches you patience, here (in T20s) you don't need patience, you have to think about what a batter can do."

The Punjab speedster made his T20I debut two years ago and has played 55 matches, including two T20I World Cups and emerging victorious in the latest edition of the tournament. The T20 World Cup winner is not fretting over the future or dwelling into the past.

Arshdeep Singh leads India's attack

"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 ahead of the second T20I against Bangladesh on Tuesday.

"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 when a question on his future was thrown his way.

Arshdeep has been leading India's pace attack in the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh and won the Player of the Match in 1st match in Gwalior.