Bengaluru: India’s fast bowler Arshdeep Singh is entering the 2025 Asia Cup in peak form after an intensive preparation phase in the Duleep Trophy, ensuring he is fully ready to contribute to India’s pace attack in Abu Dhabi.
With India’s first match against the UAE on September 10, followed by games against Pakistan and Oman, Arshdeep’s fitness, adaptability, and mental toughness are expected to be vital assets for the team.
After a nearly three-month break from competitive cricket following IPL 2025, where he finished as Punjab Kings’ highest wicket-taker with 21 wickets, Arshdeep used his Duleep Trophy stint with North Zone against East Zone in Bengaluru to fine-tune both his physical and mental game.
Bowling 17 overs on the second day — the most by any North Zone bowler — he highlighted the importance of long spells in preparing for high-pressure international tournaments. “I felt really good with the number of overs I got. My body feels well after 15-17 overs, and the ball is coming out nicely. Not many wickets today, but they will come in the future,” he said.
Arshdeep emphasized that his current focus is on mindset, particularly learning to enjoy the “boring times” in red-ball cricket.
“In the session after lunch, mostly the ball doesn’t do anything. How you enjoy that phase tells you how successful you can be in red-ball cricket,” he said, crediting advice from fellow fast bowler Mohammed Siraj. This mental approach will help him maintain patience and consistency, qualities crucial in both red-ball and white-ball formats.
During the hiatus from matches, Arshdeep worked extensively on strength, conditioning, and fitness to handle the workload of long spells.
“When you are not playing, you push your limits in training — more overs, more strength, more practice. The aim is to stay ready whenever you get a chance,” he said, underscoring his disciplined preparation for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Switching formats will be key, and Arshdeep has already been practising with the white ball to ensure a smooth transition. “Red ball, white ball, or pink ball — you have to play cricket and enjoy it. The mindset is about how quickly you can adapt according to the situation, wicket, and weather. Knowing when to put in effort and when to conserve energy is key,” he added.
With India arriving in Dubai for Asia Cup preparations on September 4, Arshdeep Singh’s blend of fitness, adaptability, and mental resilience positions him as a key component in India’s plans to strengthen their bowling resources across formats.
