Punjab bowling coach Gagandeep Singh has revealed that Arshdeep Singh was becoming a bit frustrated after he didn’t get his opportunity on the England tour. Arshdeep was not considered for selection in the first three Test matches against England as the visitors backed Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Prasidh Krishna.
Singh was in line to make his debut at Old Trafford, Manchester but a finger injury ruled him out. Anshul Kamboj was then given his chance in the penultimate Test of the series.
The left-arm pacer recovered from his injury before the fifth Test at the Kennington Oval, London but he was once again ignored by the team’s think tank.
Meanwhile, Singh took 13 wickets in eight innings at an average of 41.8 while playing for Kent in County cricket.
Gagandeep Singh said, “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. I told him ‘you have to wait for your time,” [as quoted by The Hindu].
Gagandeep reckons Arshdeep Singh’s skillset is very suited for the red-ball format.
“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.”
Singh has taken 66 wickets in 21 first-class matches at an average of 30.37 for Punjab.
Arshdeep will be seen in action while playing in the upcoming Asia Cup. India will begin their campaign against the UAE on 10th September.
