Arshdeep Singh in contention for 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad

The upcoming 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia might be his chance to debut in the longer format for India

PHOTO: AFP

India pacer Arshdeep Singh is set to potentially earn his Test call-up following a series of impressive performances in shorter formats.

The upcoming 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy in Australia might be his chance to debut in the longer format for India. However, Arshdeep will need to prove his mettle in domestic cricket first, starting with the Duleep Trophy in September.

According to a media report All India Men's Senior Selection Committee has taken note of Arshdeep's impressive form. Alongside Arshdeep, left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed is also in contention for the Australia tour and might feature in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand.

“Arshdeep has moved the ball impressively in white-ball matches for India. He could be asked to play a few domestic red-ball games, starting with the Duleep Trophy on September 5, to enhance his chances of selection for the Australia tour. There's a real chance that he could be India's trump card, along with (Jasprit) Bumrah, in Australia,” a source in the report said.

The source also highlighted the selectors' interest in Khaleel Ahmed, who has been performing well and was included in the squad for the Zimbabwe tour and the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka.

“In fact, the selectors are keen on another left-arm pace option in the white-ball side at least, which is why Khaleel Ahmed toured Zimbabwe and has been picked for both the ODIs and T20Is in Sri Lanka,” the source further added.

The inclusion of young players for the Australian assignment is not new. During India's previous tour in 2020-21, a young team featuring Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, Rishabh Pant, T Natarajan, Washington Sundar, Shardul Thakur, and Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role in securing a historic 2-1 series victory. The team was jointly captained by Ajinkya Rahane and Virat Kohli.

India's tour of Australia will begin on November 22 with the opening Test at WACA Ground, Perth, and will conclude with the New Year's Test in Sydney.