![Arshdeep Singh backed for Tests [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1793796676243_ArshdeepSingh.jpg?type=hq)
Arshdeep Singh backed for Tests [Source: AFP]
After Arshdeep Singh's glorious performance in the first India vs New Zealand ODI, which earned him a four-wicket haul, Sunil Gavaskar, the former India batting legend, has now backed the bowler's inclusion in the red-ball setup as well.
Arshdeep's ability to swing the ball both ways will trouble batters significantly, and Gavaskar commended his efforts while adding that such skills can be very effective for a pace bowler in red-ball cricket.
Sunil Gavaskar gives green for Arshdeep Singh in Test setup
Speaking during a post-match interview on Sony Sports, Gavaskar was questioned about Arshdeep Singh's ability to swing the ball both ways, even when conditions are difficult. Replying to the question, Gavaskar praised Arshdeep, appreciating his line and length at Eden Park on the day.
“He can swing the ball both ways, inswing and outswing. That creates doubt for batters about which ball is coming. His length today was excellent. The line was good in any case," Sunil Gavaskar said.
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“He was making the right-handed batters play across the line from middle and off-stump. An odd ball was coming in as well. He bowled extremely well, and I have always said, I have been seeing him for two or three years, that he should be looked at even for Tests," Gavaskar added.
After Arshdeep impressed with the new ball against New Zealand, Ajinkya Rahane backed his inclusion in the Test setup, where Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, alongside Prasidh Krishna, currently lead the pace attack.
“He should definitely get a chance. The way he moves the white ball, inswing and outswing, the skill and wicket-taking ability he has, he has that with the red ball as well," Rahane said.
Arshdeep’s impressive recent scalps in 2026
Arshdeep Singh has so far played 19 ODI matches for India, scalping 34 wickets, while he has also taken 151 wickets in the T20I format across 104 matches.
However, he is yet to make his Test debut. While representing North Zone and Punjab in first-class cricket, he has managed to impress with 73 wickets from 42 innings, with career-best first-class figures of 6 for 40 in an innings and 9 for 90 in a match, averaging 30.71 with the ball.
Recently, Arshdeep Singh impressed in the T20I leg of New Zealand's tour as well, scalping six wickets in the five matches he featured in. During the West Indies tour, he also bagged five wickets while bowling at a strike rate of 19.00.
