As India kicked off their five-Test series against England at Headingley, many fans were left wondering — why is Arshdeep Singh missing from the playing XI? The 26-year-old left-arm pacer, who earned his maiden Test call-up for this tour, was tipped to make his red-ball debut in Leeds.
With India entering a transition phase following the retirements of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and R Ashwin, Arshdeep’s selection in the squad was viewed as a nod toward youth and future potential. Given the swing-friendly English conditions, his omission surprised fans and experts alike.
Why Arshdeep Singh Was Benched
The final decision came down to a toss-up between Arshdeep Singh and Prasidh Krishna for the third seamer spot. The Indian team management opted for Prasidh due to:
- Extra pace and bounce – more suited to Leeds’ hard deck
- Impressive performance in the practice match, extracting sharp lift
- Previous experience in overseas red-ball cricket
While Arshdeep brings a unique left-arm angle and had a strong IPL season, the team favored a traditional hit-the-deck bowler, which Prasidh offers.
What’s Next for Arshdeep?
With four more Tests left in this long series, rotation is likely. Bowlers will need rest, and that could open the door for Arshdeep’s Test debut later in the series. For now, he stays on the bench — but his opportunity may not be far off.
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