'He Can Swing It Both Ways’: Coach Jaswant Rai Backs Arshdeep Singh for Red-Ball Success, credits Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami | Exclusive

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Arshdeep Singh, India's promising left-arm pacer, has been making waves in white-ball cricket with his lethal yorkers and cool-headedness under pressure.

Now, with his inclusion in India's Test squad, the cricketing world eagerly awaits his potential debut in the red-ball format. Known for his adaptability, mental toughness, and skilful wrist work, Arshdeep has been honing his craft for the longer format, preparing to bring his unique flair to Test cricket.

In an exclusive interview with MyKhel, Arshdeep's coach, Jaswant Rai, opened up about the young bowler's journey, his preparation for red-ball cricket, and the qualities that make him a standout talent.

A Red-Ball Debut on the Horizon

Arshdeep's selection in India's Test squad marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. With his ability to swing the ball both ways and deliver under pressure, the 26-year-old is seen as a potential game-changer in the longest format. Rai, who has been a guiding force in Arshdeep's career since his early teens, is optimistic about his protege's readiness for the challenge.

"The biggest weapon of Arshdeep in Test cricket is that he can swing on both sides. He uses his wrists very well. I think he will be successful with the Red Ball. We are waiting for his debut. He has been selected in the team and hopefully he will make his debut in the next four matches," Rai said.

Preparation and Growth for the Red-Ball Arena

Arshdeep's transition to red-ball cricket has been a focused effort, with the bowler dedicating significant time to mastering the demands of the format. His stint with Kent in County Cricket provided invaluable experience, helping him refine his skills for longer spells and challenging conditions.

"He has been preparing for the Red Ball for 1.5 years. Before that, played for Kent in county cricket and he has gained a lot of experience there. He knows what to do to get success in a long spell. Now he has improved a lot and he has matured enough. His adaptability has improved," Rai explained.

Arshdeep's cricketing journey began at the age of 13 when his parents entrusted him to Jaswant Rai at the Guru Nanak School in Chandigarh. With his father, a fast bowler himself, recognizing his son's potential, Rai became a pivotal figure in shaping Arshdeep's career. From his early days at the academy to representing Punjab at the U-16 level, Arshdeep's development was closely tied to Rai's guidance.

Arshdeep was handed over to his coach at the age of 13 by his parents. His father, who is also a fast bowler, kept faith in Rai, who has been a pivotal part of Arshdeep's career, from the early days at the Guru Nanak School in Chandigarh. Since then, Arshdeep has relocated his base along with his coach and has continued taking higher steps in his career.

Mental Toughness: Arshdeep's X-Factor

What sets Arshdeep apart, according to Rai, is his mental fortitude and ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. Even as a teenager, Arshdeep displayed a hunger to succeed and a knack for performing when the stakes were high.

"His main strength is that he is mentally strong, and he is keen to do something in life and cricket. When there is a pressure game, he performs better. He handles it better. He is mentally tough. When he was 15-16 years old, he used to think that he could do different things. And I used to make him understand to stop doing variation and concentrate more on accuracy."

From Tennis Balls to T20 Stardom

Arshdeep's journey to mastering his craft began with humble tools and relentless hard work. His ability to deliver pinpoint yorkers, a hallmark of his bowling, was honed through practice with tennis balls, a method that helped him develop control and accuracy. His rise through the Indian Premier League (IPL) and subsequent mentorship from India's pace spearheads, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, further sharpened his skills.

"He developed yorkers and accuracy with tennis ball, and worked hard on every skill in bowling. IPL exposure has worked well for him and then in the Indian team, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami also supported him a lot," Rai noted, crediting the IPL and senior players for accelerating Arshdeep's growth.

As Arshdeep stands on the cusp of a potential Test debut, his coach's confidence in him is unwavering. With his technical prowess, mental resilience, and ability to learn from every experience, Arshdeep is well-equipped to make a mark in red-ball cricket. With Harshit Rana's release and a potential absence of either Jasprit Bumrah or Prasidh Krishna, the left-arm pacer may get the elusive hat in the Edgbaston Test.