Arshdeep Singh, the 25-year-old Indian pace sensation, exhibited a charmingly awkward demeanor when asked about his emerging reputation as a leading force in the Indian bowling lineup during a recent post-match interview in Gwalior. The occasion marked yet another milestone in his already eventful international career, a journey marked by challenges and triumphs that began when Indian skipper Rohit Sharma handed him his debut cap in Southampton.
However, Arshdeep’s leadership potential was on full display as he supported Mayank Yadav, the debutant bowler, during his inaugural over in international cricket. Despite his own youth, Arshdeep played the role of a mentor seamlessly, a role he has grown into over the years. Since first stepping into the international arena, Arshdeep has showcased a remarkable ability to recover from setbacks, a trait that allowed him to become the second-fastest Indian to secure 50 T20I wickets. His vital contributions were instrumental in India clinching a T20 World Cup title and have seen him entrusted with bowling some of the most crucial overs for the team.
Reflecting on his whirlwind journey in international cricket, Arshdeep shared, “I’m just enjoying my game. Don’t know how these two years have passed by. I try to remain in the moment, embracing the highs and lows.”
Arshdeep’s emphasis on living in the present has made him a crucial figure in India’s death-bowling strategy. During the T20 World Cup final against South Africa in Barbados, he was tasked with the pivotal 19th over. As Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah took charge, Arshdeep outshone expectations by delivering six impeccable balls, limiting David Miller to merely three runs in two deliveries, and keeping India’s hopes alive.
This ability to thrive under pressure was further highlighted during India’s league match against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup, a performance that drew praise from then-bowling coach Paras Mhambrey for his composure in high-stakes scenarios. In Gwalior, Arshdeep demonstrated his leadership prowess by dismissing both openers and returning later to seal a comfortable win with a precise yorker, earning him the Player of the Match accolade.
Since his debut in July 2022, no pacer has collected more T20I wickets, a testament to Arshdeep’s efficient utilization of his skills. While he may lack the blistering speed or intimidating presence of some of his peers, his unassuming demeanor off the field contrasts with his fierce competitive spirit on it. Arshdeep’s performances have secured him a regular spot in the team, even in the absence of some of India’s renowned bowlers.
Eyeing a spot on the Test roster and aiming to play across all formats remains one of Arshdeep’s career aspirations.
. Though he acknowledges this ambition, he approaches it with characteristic modesty. “I want to do my best in all formats wherever I get the opportunity,” Arshdeep stated in Delhi, amid discussions about the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Despite India’s packed white-ball schedule limiting his red-ball cricket exposure, Arshdeep has sought to hone his skills by participating in county cricket with Kent, as encouraged by former head coach Rahul Dravid. Although his stint in English conditions didn’t yield standout statistics, the experience offered invaluable lessons. This adaptation served him well, particularly in the ODI format, eventually earning him the Player of the Series title in South Africa.
Further establishing his red-ball credibility, Arshdeep achieved an impressive six-wicket haul in the Duleep Trophy, reinforcing his bid for Test cricket. He explained, “Playing T20 feels easier after red-ball cricket. It allows you to test your adaptability to conditions and formats. Red-ball cricket instills patience, a quality not paramount in T20s, where foresight is crucial.”
Despite his burgeoning status within Indian cricket and speculations about his progression into other formats, Arshdeep remains grounded. “My life mantra is to enjoy the present. Today is my rest day, so I’ll enjoy my rest today,” he mentioned on the eve of the Delhi T20I, amidst fulfilling commitments like sponsor events and press conferences. “The T20 World Cup is two years away. It’s very far. I don’t think much about the future. Others are taking tension.”
For now, Arshdeep continues to excel by focusing on what he does best: staying calm, maintaining concentration, and believing that the future will unfold as it should, or as he puts it succinctly, “kal ka kal dekhenge.”