Arshdeep Singh Embraces ‘Boring Times’ to Sharpen Red-Ball Game Ahead of Asia Cup

India fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is embracing the patience and discipline that red-ball cricket demands, as he returns to competitive action following a three-month break. Playing for North Zone in the ongoing Duleep Trophy quarter-final against East Zone in Bengaluru, the 26-year-old is using the tournament as crucial preparation before the upcoming Asia Cup, starting September 9 in Abu Dhabi.

Despite managing just one wicket on the second day, Arshdeep bowled a marathon 17 overs — the most by any bowler in his side — and said he was pleased with his rhythm and fitness.

"I felt really good with the number of overs I got in," Arshdeep said. "Not many wickets, but yes, they will come in the future."

Having last played during IPL 2025, where he emerged as Punjab Kings’ top wicket-taker with 21 scalps in 17 matches, Arshdeep spent the months since training rigorously with the national team. Although he earned a Test call-up for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy in England, he didn’t get a game.

Asked if the long wait on the sidelines was frustrating, Arshdeep said he used the time to push his limits.
"When you're not playing, you put in more work — more overs, more strength work, more training — so you're ready whenever you get the chance," he said. "I don't know how many thousands of balls I bowled in practice."

One key area of growth for Arshdeep has been his mental approach to red-ball cricket. Drawing on advice from fellow fast bowler Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep has been learning how to deal with the quieter periods of a match — what he calls the "boring times."

"In red-ball cricket, there's a phase after lunch when the ball doesn't do much. Siraj told me how enjoying those moments defines how successful you'll be. I really liked that tip," he shared.

With India's Asia Cup preparations kicking off in Dubai from September 4, Arshdeep will soon shift gears to white-ball cricket. But he isn’t concerned about the quick format switch.

"Right from the last Test [at The Oval], I had started practising with the white ball. At the end of the day, red ball or white ball, it's still cricket," he said. "The key is adaptability — knowing when to go hard and when to conserve energy."

India will begin their Asia Cup campaign against UAE on September 10, followed by marquee matches against Pakistan on September 14 and Oman on September 19. The Super Four stage is scheduled to begin on September 20.

For Arshdeep, the Duleep Trophy match is not just a red-ball test — it's a springboard into a packed international calendar where adaptability, endurance, and mindset will define success.