Arshdeep Singh, the young Indian pace sensation, has been making headlines not just for his on-field performances but also for his camaraderie with fellow cricketers. Recently, the focus has been on his interaction with Mohammed Siraj, another key member of the Indian bowling attack. This interaction sheds light on the pressures of international cricket and how players support each other through tough times.

During India's Test tour of England, Arshdeep found himself on the sidelines, not getting a single opportunity to play despite Jasprit Bumrah managing his workload. To add to his woes, he sustained a left thumb injury, ruling him out of the last two Test matches. This period of inactivity and injury could have been demoralizing for the young bowler.

In a recent interview, Arshdeep opened up about how he coped with this challenging phase. He revealed that a conversation with Mohammed Siraj proved to be invaluable. Siraj, who featured in all five games of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series, shared a "small tip" that Arshdeep "really liked".

Arshdeep explained that Siraj advised him on how to "enjoy the boring time". He elaborated that in Test cricket, particularly during sessions after lunch when the ball isn't doing much, it's crucial to find ways to stay engaged and positive. Siraj emphasized that the ability to enjoy these phases is a key determinant of success in red-ball cricket.

"I spoke to Siraj, he told me that when nothing is happening, how you enjoy that phase will tell you how successful you can be in red-ball cricket. He gave me this small tip and I really liked it," Arshdeep said.

Arshdeep also shared details of his routine in England, stating that he focused on training, bowling, and strength and conditioning. He emphasized the importance of pushing his limits when not playing, to ensure he was ready and fully fit whenever an opportunity arose.

The advice from Siraj came into practical use during Arshdeep's recent appearance in the Duleep Trophy, where he represented North Zone. He found himself having to wait until late on the second day to take his first wicket against East Zone. He recalled Siraj's words, realizing the importance of enjoying the company of his teammates and staying positive even when the ball wasn't doing much.

Beyond this specific piece of advice, Arshdeep and Siraj were also involved in a lighthearted moment during the second Test against England. After Siraj's impressive six-wicket haul, including his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, Arshdeep playfully interrupted Siraj's post-match interview with the BCCI. He suggested a change to Siraj's "now-iconic post-T20 World Cup dialogue," which had been "I only believe on Jassi bhai, because game-changer player he is, only one guy — Jasprit Bumrah". Arshdeep's version was, "Brother, there is a dialogue change. I only believe in myself and Jassi bhai".

This moment highlighted the strong bond between the two bowlers and the team spirit within the Indian squad. Siraj, in turn, displayed similar camaraderie by trying to help fellow pacer Akash Deep achieve his five-wicket haul. He even offered to bowl "non-threatening" balls to increase Akash's chances, showcasing his selflessness and team-first attitude.

Arshdeep's journey is a testament to his resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks, he remains focused on his goals, including earning an elusive Test cap. As he prepares for the upcoming T20 Asia Cup, he is confident in his ability to adapt to the demands of the T20 format, drawing on the lessons learned during his time with the Test team and the support of teammates like Mohammed Siraj.