“I personally felt Arshdeep Singh should’ve been given a chance in England” - Punjab bowling coach Gagandeep Singh

Punjab bowling coach Gagandeep Singh has opened up on the Indian seamer Arshdeep Singh not getting a chance to represent India in whites in the recently concluded Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy against England, which India levelled by 2-2.

Advertisment

Speaking to the media, Gagandeep stated that Arshdeep deserved a chance to make it to the playing XI in England. Notably, the Indian pacer was ruled out of the tour ahead of the fourth Test after being hit on his left thumb during the practice session. The injury required stitches, and Anshul Kamboj was added as a replacement to the squad.

Gagandeep, who worked closely with Arshdeep Singh over the years, has asserted how Arshdeep evolved as a top-class bowler after primarily starting playing only T20 cricket. Furthermore, he also motivated the seamer on how the longest format of the game tests the player’s patience more than any other format of the game.

“When I joined the Punjab team, Arshdeep had just come off a season of playing primarily T20 cricket. The line and length in the shortest format are completely different from those required in red-ball cricket. The mindset, too, changes — because in T20s, the focus is often on containing runs rather than actively going for wickets,” Gagandeep said as quoted by The Hindu.

Advertisment

“But in the longer format, that approach doesn’t work. In red-ball cricket, about 90 percent of your deliveries need to be your stock ball—consistent line and length are also required in the longer format, as it demands patience,” he added.

“So, the focus was on tightening his line and length, spot bowling, and improving wrist position. We worked on those aspects to encourage natural swing,” he noted.

“I personally felt he should’ve been given a chance in England. We spoke a few months ago when he was in England. He was feeling a bit restless and impatient about not getting an opportunity in the Test side,” he observed.

Advertisment

“I told him ‘you have to wait for your time. Test cricket is different — it tests your skills and temperament in a way no other format does, but I believe his skillset is very well suited for red-ball cricket too. Given his height, natural ability to swing the ball, and improved control,” he concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!