Arshdeep back in Kent, focussing on red-ball rhythm ahead of England Test series

London: India left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh is delighted to be back in Kent where he had earlier played county cricket as he looks to rediscover his red-ball rhythm ahead of the five-match Test series against England beginning June 20.

The 26-year-old is eyeing his maiden Test appearance after being named in the Indian squad. The team is playing a four-day tour match against India A at the Kent County Cricket Ground at Beckenham from June 13.

Primarily known for his white-ball exploits, Arshdeep, who represented Kent in the County Championship two years ago, had a notable season in the IPL 2025 with Punjab Kings, who finished runners-up.

"As for today’s training session, my only motivation was to get a feel for the rhythm -- how the body feels, how the red ball is coming out of the hand -- because all the players have been playing with the white ball for quite a while. So I really enjoyed it," he told BCCI.TV.

"Going forward, as we keep progressing step by step, the intensity will keep increasing, and we’ll keep making it more and more difficult for the batters to face the ball." India, without the services of retired Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, will be led by new skipper Shubman Gill. The team includes a crop of young batters such as Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Arshdeep said he is enjoying bowling to his team-mates as he sharpens his red-ball skills.

"It was fun bowling to the batters. They looked quite compact, and there was a competitive spirit—even though we were just working on rhythm, they were fully competing. So that made it even more fun," he said.

"We had to grind properly and try to get them out with a solid plan. Sai has joined the team for the first time, and he looked very compact too. The skipper looked in good touch. I’ll try my best to keep improving and get them out more often going ahead."

‘When your attack includes Bumrah, comparison doesn't exist’

Arshdeep said he is focused on enhancing his skills while training alongside pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.

"Whenever I hold the ball, I always feel that I am the best. But everyone knows—when you’re in an attack that includes a player named Jasprit Bumrah, then the word 'comparison' doesn’t even exist," he said.

"So, the focus is on how we can improve each other’s game, each other’s skill sets—and how we can help the team. That’s where my focus lies." Reflecting on his earlier stint in Kent, Arshdeep said: "It feels really good to be here. At first, you get that ‘homely’ feeling, that yes, I’ve spent two months here before, so it feels great. I’m really looking forward to creating many more memories here.

"It’s a small place, very peaceful. Not many people around. If you need peace of mind, this is the best place—because there’s always a cool breeze blowing, a soft warmth from the sun, and when you sip hot chocolate in that setting, it’s pure bliss.

"And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to have some churros with it," said Arshdeep.

The opening Test begins in Leeds on June 20.