Arshdeep Singh to Make Test Debut? Coach Calls Him ‘Best Since Zaheer Khan’

With the India vs England 5th Test now looming, the chatter is growing that Arshdeep Singh will be making his debut in Test cricket and earning his first Test cap. According to a report by Times of India, the 25-year-old left-arm pacer is expected to debut in the 5th Test after recovering from hand injuries that kept him from participating in the 4th Test in Manchester.

Arshdeep Singh Ready for Red-Ball Challenge

Arshdeep had to miss the Manchester Test after hurting his hand during practice, needing ten stitches. But recent reports say he has been bowling at full speed in the nets, impressing the team with his rhythm and energy.

India is likely to add Arshdeep Singh to their playing XI for the IND vs ENG 5th Test #GautamGambhir #ENGvsIND #INDvENG #arshdeepsingh pic.twitter.com/6UoCZilUwZ

— khel insight (@Khel_insight) July 29, 2025

After sitting out the first four Tests, this last game at The Oval might finally be his red-ball debut.

“Playing red-ball cricket for the country is the ultimate dream,” said Arshdeep’s childhood coach Jaswant Rai.
“Wo pak chuka hai (He is ripe now). He can bring the balance India has long been looking for.”

People are still chatting about India’s bowlers. Word is, Mohammed Siraj and Akash Deep will probably keep their places, but they’ll decide about Jasprit Bumrah closer to the game. Bumrah’s already played three Tests in this series, so they might give him a break to manage how much he’s bowling.

If Bumrah sits this one out, the Oval pitch would be great for Arshdeep. He’s a left-arm bowler who can swing the ball both ways, which gives them some variety and control, which is good in England.

Coach Supports Arshdeep Singh: ‘Best since Zaheer Khan’

While Arshdeep has already established himself in white-ball cricket, this was his first Test call-up (obviously overdue) during this series. Coach Jaswant Rai believes the time has come for a debut:

“He’s painstakingly done the hard yards. I could be accused of being biased, but he deserves the Test cap.”

Drawing comparison to India’s great left-armer Zaheer Khan, Rai added:

“He can swing the ball both ways and has much better control of the 6m length than other bowlers. For sure, in the scheme of things, once he gets his cap, Arshdeep is probably India’s best left-armer since Zaheer.”

The India versus England 5th Test at The Oval isn’t just about deciding who wins the series. It might also be the start of something big for Arshdeep Singh.

Arshdeep has worked hard and been consistent to get to this point. If he gets to play, he’ll be one of the few left-arm fast bowlers to make his debut in England, where swing bowling is super important.

Match Update: India vs England 5th Test at The Oval

• Match: IND vs ENG, 5th Test – Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy
• Venue: The Oval, London
• Date: Starts this Friday
• Live Streaming: JioHotstar & Star Sports in India

India has often missed a left-arm pace bowler in Test cricket, and Arshdeep Singh might be the answer they’ve been looking for. With his calm mindset, strong domestic experience, and ability to swing the ball, he seems well-suited for English conditions.

Will Arshdeep debut in red-ball cricket at The Oval and put in a performance like Zaheer Khan? Everyone will be watching the team announcement this Friday.