'This happiness can't be explained in words': Death-overs specialist Arshdeep Singh looking forward to potential India debut against South Africa

Arshdeep Singh was getting ready for his IPL team Punjab Kings' last league match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad when he got a call from the Indian team management. The call was about his maiden call-up to the Indian team. Arshdeep had a big smile on his face but within seconds, the 23-year-old pacer shifted his focus to the next match he was going to play. After Punjab Kings won that match, by 5 wickets, the team came back to the dressing room and celebrated Arshdeep's success. The 23-year-old from Guna in Madhya Pradesh went wicketless in that match, but was again very economical, giving away just 25 runs in his 4 overs. He had done enough to impress the selectors overall. This is his fourth IPL season and he has taken 40 wickets overall in 37 matches and has a strike rate of 18.93. Arshdeep's ability to bowl wide yorkers, targeting the block-hole, and not giving away too many runs, earned him an India call up and a place in the squad for the home series against South Africa next month. India are scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting June 9. TimesofIndia.com caught up with Arshdeep, who signed off IPL 2022 with 10 wickets in 14 matches at an economy rate of 7.70, to talk about his maiden India call-up, sharing the ball with South African star pacer Kagiso Rabada, on being tagged as a death-overs specialist, playing under KL Rahul and much more.

Arshdeep Singh (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)You were earlier picked as a net bowler for the Indian team (vs Sri Lanka) and have now got a maiden India call-up...I am really happy and grateful that I have got a chance to represent my country. This happiness can't be expressed in words. I am looking forward to learning and winning the series for my