Arshdeep Singh in the Mix! Morne Morkel Confirms Pacer's Red-Ball Prospects
Indian bowling coach Morne Morkel reveals Arshdeep Singh is being considered for red-ball cricket as India prepares for the New Zealand tour.
The Indian bowling department is eyeing a strategic shift as they prepare for the challenges of red-ball cricket in New Zealand. In a significant revelation, bowling coach Morne Morkel has confirmed that left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is firmly part of the conversations regarding India's Test match plans.
While Arshdeep has established himself as a powerhouse in the shortest format of the game, the team management is now looking at his potential to translate that success into the longer format. Speaking to reporters in Wellington, Morkel highlighted that the team is building a versatile group of bowlers to serve as cover for the upcoming Tests in Wellington and Christchurch.
A T20 Giant with Red-Ball Ambitions
Arshdeep Singh has been a cornerstone of India's white-ball attack. He recently hit a major milestone, completing 100 T20Is during the second T20I against New Zealand at Hagley Oval, where he claimed two wickets. The left-armer is currently on the verge of history, needing just two more wickets to become the first Indian bowler to reach 150 T20I wickets.
Despite his T20 dominance, his appetite for longer formats is evident. With 30 wickets in 18 ODIs, including a five-wicket haul, he has already shown glimpses of his capability. However, the Test debut has remained elusive until now.
"On paper, in the back of our minds, there are a nice group of bowlers that can suit all the conditions, and Arshdeep is definitely in that conversation," Morkel stated. "He is a guy who always works hard. He ticks all the boxes. So if needed with the red ball, I am pretty sure you will be fine."
The Domestic Credentials
Arshdeep's case for a Test call-up isn't based solely on white-ball form. His domestic red-ball record provides a strong foundation for his aspirations:
- Matches: 24 red-ball outings
- Wickets: 73 wickets
- Average: 30.71
- Best Figures: 6/40
- Highlights: One four-wicket haul and two five-wicket hauls
The 'Bulletproof' Workload Plan
Managing a grueling schedule that includes five T20Is, five ODIs, and two Tests is no small feat. Morne Morkel assured that the team has a meticulously mapped-out strategy to prevent burnout and ensure peak performance.
Morkel mentioned that several players are currently featuring in India A games to sharpen their red-ball skills. He described the current approach as a "bulletproof plan," though he acknowledged that sports rarely go exactly as planned, which is why having a strong backup system—including Arshdeep—is crucial.
Squad Rotation and Preparations
The rotation strategy is already in motion. While Arshdeep is part of both the T20I and ODI squads, other pacers like Akash Deep and Anshul Kamboj, who are in the Test squad, are gaining match practice through the three-match India A series.
The preparation isn't limited to the bowlers. Key batters from the Test squad, including captain Shubman Gill, KL Rahul, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Devdutt Padikkal, and Dhruv Jurel, are also playing in the India A games to ensure they are in top form before the Tests begin on November 19.
As India transitions from the T20s to the ODIs starting November 4, and finally to the Test series, all eyes will be on whether the "conversation" around Arshdeep Singh turns into a historic Test debut.