As India gears up for the highly anticipated Test series against England starting June 20, former Australia captain and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting has made a compelling case for including left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh in the playing XI for the very first Test. Ponting’s endorsement carries weight, given his close work with Arshdeep in the IPL and his deep understanding of the challenges posed by English conditions.
Why Ricky Ponting Wants Arshdeep Singh in the Starting XI
Arshdeep Singh, who has been a consistent performer in India’s white-ball setup since 2022, earned his maiden Test call-up for the England tour after impressive displays in both home and overseas conditions. Ponting believes Arshdeep’s unique skill set and physical attributes make him a perfect fit for the Dukes ball and swinging conditions in England.
Ponting’s Key Points on Arshdeep:
Height and Bounce: “He’s close to six-foot-four, so he’s going to get decent bounce,” Ponting said, emphasizing the advantage Arshdeep’s height will provide on English pitches.
Swing Bowling Ability: The Dukes ball used in England tends to swing even after 30-50 overs, and Ponting highlighted Arshdeep’s natural ability to swing the ball as a major asset.
Left-Arm Variation: Having a left-arm pacer adds a crucial point of difference to India’s attack, which otherwise features right-arm bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
County Cricket Experience: Arshdeep’s stint with Kent in the 2023 County Championship means he is familiar with English conditions, which will help him adapt quickly.
Ponting expressed surprise that India might not start Arshdeep in the first Test, calling the decision to exclude such a skillful bowler “a bit of a surprise.”
Arshdeep Singh: From White-Ball Star to Test Hopeful
Arshdeep Singh’s journey into Test cricket is a testament to his hard work and adaptability. Known for his lethal yorkers and calm demeanor in T20Is and ODIs, he has been a vital cog in India’s limited-overs bowling unit. His inclusion in the Test squad signals the team management’s faith in his ability to transition to the longer format.
Highlights of Arshdeep’s credentials:
International Debut: Made his international debut in England, giving him early exposure to the conditions.
IPL Success: A key performer for Punjab Kings, with 18 wickets in IPL 2025, helping them top the league stage.
Skill Set: Combines pace, swing, and height to trouble batsmen, especially in conditions conducive to seam bowling.
Gambhir’s Role and Ponting’s Message
Gautam Gambhir, India’s head coach, has the challenging task of finalizing the playing XI for the first Test. Ponting, who coaches Arshdeep in the IPL, urged Gambhir to “roll the dice” and give the debutant a chance right from the start.
“I would actually have him in their Test team at the start. He’s very skillful,” Ponting told The ICC Review.
“The Dukes ball will help him in the UK as well. And I just think to have that point of difference, having a left-armer in your team, I think will be something that, if India don’t do it, then it’ll be a bit of a surprise to me.”
Ponting also shared how he publicly congratulated Arshdeep in the Punjab Kings team meeting immediately after the Test squad announcement, highlighting the respect and confidence he has in the young bowler.
What This Means for India’s Bowling Attack
India’s bowling attack for the England Tests includes established names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Shardul Thakur. Adding Arshdeep Singh would bring a new dimension:
Variety: A left-arm swing bowler adds angles and challenges batsmen differently.
Bounce: His height ensures extra bounce, crucial on English pitches.
Experience in Conditions: County cricket experience gives him an edge in understanding the Duke ball and local conditions.
FAQs
1. Who is Arshdeep Singh?
Arshdeep Singh is a left-arm fast bowler who has been part of India’s white-ball teams since 2022 and recently earned his maiden Test call-up.
2. Why does Ricky Ponting want Arshdeep in the first Test?
Ponting believes Arshdeep’s height, swing ability, and experience with the Dukes ball in England make him an ideal candidate for the Test team.
3. What is special about the Dukes ball?
The Dukes ball is known to swing more and for longer durations in English conditions compared to other balls.
4. Has Arshdeep played in England before?
Yes, he played county cricket for Kent in 2023, gaining valuable experience in English conditions.
5. Who else is in India’s bowling attack for the England Tests?
The attack includes Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Akash Deep, and Shardul Thakur.
Conclusion
Ricky Ponting’s strong endorsement of Arshdeep Singh for the first Test against England shines a spotlight on the young pacer’s potential to make a significant impact. With his towering height, skillful swing bowling, and experience in English conditions, Arshdeep could be the X-factor India needs to challenge England’s batsmen. As the series approaches, all eyes will be on Gautam Gambhir’s team selection, with many hoping to see the debutant roll the dice and seize his opportunity on the grand stage.