“He should be looked at even for Tests”: Sunil Gavaskar urges India to consider Arshdeep Singh in Test

Sunil Gavaskar and Ajinkya Rahane Back Arshdeep Singh for a Test Call-Up After ODI Impact

India began its ODI series in New Zealand with a five-wicket win at Eden Park, Auckland, and Arshdeep Singh quickly became one of the match’s biggest talking points. The left-arm fast bowler claimed four wickets, using movement and disciplined lengths to trouble the hosts. His performance prompted former India captain Sunil Gavaskar and batter Ajinkya Rahane to urge selectors to consider him for Test cricket.

The victory gave Shubman Gill’s side an encouraging start to the series and ended a difficult run for India in New Zealand ODIs. The team had not won an ODI there for seven years, having lost four matches during that period, while two others produced no result. India will now aim to build on the opening result and secure its first ODI series win in New Zealand since the 2018–19 tour.

Gavaskar: Arshdeep’s Swing and Control Could Suit Test Cricket

Speaking after the match on Sony Sports, Gavaskar highlighted Arshdeep’s ability to move the ball both ways. The former captain said that the uncertainty created by inswing and outswing can make it difficult for batters to settle, particularly when a bowler consistently lands the ball in a challenging area.

“He can swing the ball both ways, inswing and outswing. That creates doubt for batters about which ball is coming,” Gavaskar said. He also praised Arshdeep’s line and length, noting that the bowler made right-handed batters play across the line and remained capable of bringing the ball back into them.

Gavaskar said he had followed Arshdeep’s progress over several years and believed the pacer deserved to be considered for the longer format. His argument is based not simply on one strong ODI performance, but on a set of skills that can translate to red-ball cricket: movement through the air, accuracy, and the ability to maintain pressure over sustained spells.

Rahane Sees Red-Ball Potential in the Left-Arm Seamer

Rahane also backed the case for giving Arshdeep an opportunity in India’s Test setup. He pointed to the bowler’s capacity to swing the ball and his wicket-taking instincts, suggesting those qualities are not limited to white-ball cricket.

“He should definitely get a chance,” Rahane said, adding that Arshdeep’s ability to move the white ball in both directions could be valuable with the red ball as well. Rahane also emphasized the tactical benefit of a left-arm fast bowler. A left-armer creates a different angle for batters to negotiate, potentially changing their footwork and opening up opportunities for the rest of the attack.

That variation can matter across a long Test innings. A left-arm seamer can challenge the outside edge from around the wicket, target the pads from over the wicket, and offer a contrasting line to right-arm bowlers. On pitches where the ball moves, those angles may help a captain create new problems for batters rather than relying on pace alone.

Arshdeep’s Four-Wicket Performance in Auckland

Arshdeep finished with figures of 4 for 70 from his 10 overs in the first ODI. The return placed him among Indian bowlers to have taken four wickets in an ODI in New Zealand and underlined his importance in a relatively inexperienced pace attack. His performance was built around more than raw speed: he varied his movement, attacked the stumps, and kept the batters from playing comfortably.

The spell also continued a productive period for the 27-year-old. Arshdeep had been India’s leading wicket-taker in the preceding five-match T20I series, claiming six wickets. He has now established himself as a regular option in India’s white-ball plans, with 19 ODI appearances and 104 T20I caps. A Test debut, however, remains a step he has yet to take.

Why Arshdeep Could Add a New Dimension to India’s Test Attack

India’s selectors typically weigh several factors when choosing a Test fast bowler, including fitness, workload, control, experience with the red ball, and the conditions expected during a series. Arshdeep’s advocates believe his swing and left-arm angle give him a distinctive profile, especially in conditions that offer movement early in an innings.

Red-ball cricket presents different demands from the limited-overs formats. Bowlers must sustain accuracy over longer spells, adapt to changing conditions, and create pressure even when wickets are not immediately available. Arshdeep’s ODI spell offered a promising example of his control, but further opportunities in domestic first-class cricket and careful workload management would also be important in assessing his readiness for the five-day game.

His left-arm angle could also complement India’s existing pace options. Rather than simply adding another bowler with similar characteristics, a left-armer can alter the direction of attack and give captains more flexibility. When paired with seamers who approach the crease from the opposite angle, that contrast can make it harder for batters to settle into a predictable rhythm.

India Looks to Build on a Strong Series Start

For now, Arshdeep’s immediate focus will be on the remaining ODIs. India will want him to maintain the discipline that made his opening spell effective, while the team looks to turn its first-match success into a series victory. A consistent contribution from the bowling unit could prove crucial as New Zealand seek to respond on home soil.

The opening win has therefore carried significance beyond the result. It ended a lengthy wait for an ODI victory in New Zealand, gave Gill’s team momentum, and renewed discussion about Arshdeep’s future in the longer format. Gavaskar and Rahane’s comments are not a selection decision, but they have added weight to the prediction that the left-arm quick could become a serious Test option if he continues to deliver and demonstrates that his skills can withstand the demands of red-ball cricket.