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India's Monotonous Pace Attack: Missing Arshdeep Singh's Left-Arm Advantage at Headingley

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Arshdeep Singh [Source: @thecricketgully/x.com]Arshdeep Singh [Source: @thecricketgully/x.com]

India are currently playing England in the first Test of the India tour of England 2025 at the Headingley, Leeds. The Indian team have gone into the game with four pacers - Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, and Shardul Thakur. 

The decision to field three established right-arm pacers in Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna, while logical on paper, has created a bowling attack lacking in variety and angles.

With India's pace attack being heavily dominated by right-arm seamers, Arshdeep could have added the necessary balance that England's batting lineup, predominantly featuring right-handed batters, would have found more challenging to negotiate.

The Arshdeep Factor

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has emerged as India's first-choice bowler in T20Is, and his exclusion from the playing XI has raised questions about India's tactical approach.

The 26-year-old brings a unique skill set that could have troubled England's right-handed batters.

Missing Zaheer's Legacy

India have not produced an out-and-out left-arm seamer in Test cricket after Zaheer Khan bid adieu to the format in 2014.

This void has been particularly felt in overseas conditions where variety in pace attacks often proves decisive.

Although selectors have tried out several left-arm pacers over the years, the lack of a consistent performer has prevented the team from fielding a versatile pace attack.

The absence of a left-arm option means England's batters face similar angles throughout the innings, allowing them to settle into a rhythm more easily.

Strategic Oversight

Many fans expected Arshdeep to feature in the first Test at Leeds, as the wicket has enough help for the pacers.

The Headingley surface, known for its assistance to seam bowlers, would have been ideal for introducing variety into the attack.

India's think tank appears to have prioritized experience over tactical variety, with Prasidh Krishna getting the nod despite most experts and fans believing Arshdeep Singh is better than Prasidh Krishna any day.

As England builds their response to India's substantial first-innings total, the lack of variety in India's pace attack may prove costly in the coming days.