Arshdeep Singh pushes for Test debut with Duleep Trophy performance

Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh is making a concerted push for a Test debut, using his performance in the 2026 Duleep Trophy to demonstrate his readiness for the longest format of the game. The 27-year-old left-arm seamer, already a mainstay in India's whiteball squads, expressed his strong desire to represent the country in all three formats of cricket.

Arshdeep showcased his skills during North Zone's 52-run victory over West Zone in a Duleep Trophy quarterfinal in Bengaluru. Despite a pitch that favored spinners, he bowled with good rhythm and extracted swing from the red ball, finishing with four wickets across both innings. He bowled long spells, a rarity for him given his limited opportunities in first-class cricket, and said the experience left his body sore but in a "good sore" because of the team's win.

"I've been saying that since day one, as a player when you start playing, the goal is always to represent India, be it any format. And I'm no exception, I also want to play all three formats and very rarely do I get a chance to play red ball cricket," Arshdeep told the Indian Express. He emphasized that the Duleep Trophy was a chance to showcase his skill set and test his...