India’s rising star Arshdeep Singh has highlighted the importance of the red-ball format in improving his overall bowling skills. Singh, who was India’s leading wicket-taker in the 2024 T20 World Cup, played a key role alongside Jasprit Bumrah as the team’s frontline pacer in the T20Is.
Since making his T20I debut in July 2022, the 25-year-old has become a regular in India’s T20 setup. With over 50 appearances in the shortest format, Arshdeep has firmly established himself in the squad. He was India’s best bowler in the first T20I against Bangladesh, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs in Gwalior.
Importance of red-ball cricket
Before the second T20I against Bangladesh, Arshdeep explained how red-ball cricket has helped him grow as a bowler. According to him, the red-ball format teaches patience, which is crucial for bowlers across formats.
He shared with the Indian Express, “T20 gets easier after playing red-ball. Red-ball cricket teaches patience, and here (in T20s), you don’t need that as much. You have to think more about what the batter might do. I enjoy adapting quickly to conditions, ground dimensions, and formats.”
Test debut and future plans
While Arshdeep hasn’t made his Test debut yet, he is not too focused on what lies ahead. His approach to life is to focus on the present and let others worry about the future.
“My life mantra is to enjoy the present,” he said. “I don’t think too much about the future. Let others take the tension. I just want to give my best in all formats whenever I get the chance.”
