On Monday, June 9, Indian pacer Arshdeep Singh shared a light-hearted moment from the team’s training session in England, giving teammate Mohammed Siraj a playful new nickname, “Green Forest.” Posting a video on Instagram, Arshdeep joked: “Kuch der practice karke haate hai, mai aur Green Forest. Siraj bhai ka naya naam Green Forest.” (“After some practice, we’re done, " said Green Forest and. Siraj bhai’s new name is Green Forest.”)

The video entertained the fans, giving everyone a glimpse into the very close-knit chemistry in the Indian camp as they prepare for a crucial red-ball challenge. India is in England for a five-match Test series starting June 20 at Headingley, Leeds. Before that, they'll play a warm-up game at Kent County Cricket Ground in Beckenham from June 13 to 16.

This tour will kick off a new era in Indian Test cricket, as with stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both retiring from the format in May, this will be the first Test series played by India without the two. Shubman Gill will be appointed as captain and Rishabh Pant as vice-captain.

Siraj and Arshdeep Lead India's New-Look Pace Attack

Mohammed Siraj is still the main man in the pace attack. Since making his debut in 2020 against Australia, he has played 36 Tests, picking 100 wickets at an average of 30.74. His best bowling figures of 6/15 were against South Africa earlier this year. Against England, Siraj has played six Tests, picking 23 wickets.

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A post shared by Arshdeep Singh (@_arshdeep.singh__)

Arshdeep Singh, who has not yet made his Test debut, has gone about his business steadily in domestic red-ball cricket. In 21 first-class games, he has taken 66 wickets, including two five-fors. He also picked up some experience while playing for Kent in the County Championship a year ago, taking 13 wickets from five games.

With a young captain, fresh energy, and a pace battery ready to fire, India’s Test side enters a transitional phase. Amid the serious cricket ahead, Arshdeep’s nickname for Siraj added a touch of humor, reminding fans that behind the intensity, there’s always room for camaraderie.