Gautam Gambhir accused of giving anxiety, panic attack to Arshdeep Singh in England

Punjab bowling coach Gagandeep Singh expressed surprise that Arshdeep Singh was not included in the playing XI during the five-match Test series in England. Gagandeep stated that Arshdeep felt a little restless and impatient over not being considered for selection despite his ability to swing the ball.

The left-arm pacer was expected to make his Test debut during the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy 2025. He was ruled out of the fourth Test in Manchester due to an injury to his left thumb. The pacer seemed fit again ahead of the series finale at The Oval but the selectors chose not to include him in the XI.

Arshdeep Singh's Performances in Professional Cricket

Arshdeep Singh was with India throughout the England series. Notably, Anshul Kamboj made his debut in Manchester amid injury setbacks to Akash Deep and Arshdeep. Kamboj endured a tough start, conceding 89 runs for just one wicket.

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Arshdeep has played 21 first-class matches, taking 66 wickets at 30.37, including two five-wicket hauls and best figures of 6/40. He played in English conditions during his county stint with Kent, where he picked up 13 wickets.

With limited opportunities in red-ball cricket, Arshdeep has already cemented his place in white-ball formats. He has taken 14 wickets in 9 ODIs and 99 scalps in 63 T20I games at an economy of 8.30. Notably, the Punjab pacer is the leading wicket-taker for India in the shorter format.

Probably Gautam Gambhir and Shubman Gill Weren’t Confident About Arshdeep Singh - Gagandeep Singh

During the Buchi Babu tournament in Chennai, Gagandeep Singh said that Arshdeep Singh felt impatient while waiting for his Test debut. Gagandeep recalled that Arshdeep expressed frustration over not getting an opportunity. He added that the pacer was suited to bowl in England.

“A few months ago when he was in England, I spoke to him. He was getting impatient that he was not getting a chance. I just told him, ‘You’ve to wait for your time’,” said Gagandeep.

"I think they should’ve played him in England because he’s a swing bowler and he’s tall, everything’s good. I don’t know the team combinations, probably the coach (Gautam Gambhir) and captain (Shubman Gill) weren’t confident about him,” he added.

Arshdeep Singh Can Improve with More Swing and Accuracy - Gagandeep Singh

Gagandeep Singh believes that Arshdeep Singh still has areas to improve before earning his Test cap. He also emphasized that a closer assessment in the coming months would help gauge the bowler’s readiness for Test cricket.

“He can be a better bowler with more swing and more accuracy. I haven’t seen him in the last few months, but hopefully when I do, I can assess him better," Gagandeep said.

"From the recent matches that I have observed, he can work more on line and length, yorker balls, and especially bouncers, which are the most effective deliveries in international cricket.”

Arshdeep will be next seen in action for India in the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, which is scheduled to begin on September 9 in the UAE. The left-arm fast bowler and Jasprit Bumrah will lead the pace bowling attack in the eight-team tournament.

Also read: Sourav Ganguly appointed as head coach of this team ahead of Asia Cup 2025