If India does not immediately play Arshdeep Singh in England, I would be shocked: Ricky Ponting

Arshdeep Singh, who is very relaxed around the team, is a terrific character to have in the dressing room, according to Ricky Ponting, head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Since 2019, Arshdeep has been a member of PBKS. Having taken 18 wickets in 14 games this season, he is the team’s top wicket-taker.

In Twenty20 Internationals, the 26-year-old is India’s top wicket-taker. He hasn’t, however, ever got the chance to play in the red-ball format for the national team. However, given that he was included in India’s 18-man team for the forthcoming five-match Test series against England, this could change next month.

Ponting claimed that he made it a point to break the good news at a team gathering after the roster was revealed and Arshdeep Singh was chosen.

I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him rather well. Having him on the squad is a terrific idea. He enjoys having a good time. It’s nice that he’s so relaxed around the group. This is what we all enjoy,” Ponting told the ICC Review of Arshdeep Singh.

“The first thing I did in our team meeting after the announcement of the Test squad the other day was to make sure that I publicly congratulated Arshdeep Singh on his selection and acknowledged his selection. It’s well merited, in my opinion. He’ll bowl well in England, too, I believe,” he continued.

Actually, I would start him on their test team: Ponting

Ponting believes Arshdeep Singh experience playing County cricket will be helpful and that he would perform well with the Dukes ball in England. The former captain of Australia stated that he would be shocked if India did not immediately include him in the starting lineup.

“In fact, I would start him on their Test squad. He is incredibly talented. In my opinion, he will also benefit from the Dukes ball in the UK. And I simply believe that having a left-armer on your side will be a point of difference. If India doesn’t do that, it will come as a bit of a surprise to me,” Ponting stated.

He has experience playing county cricket and is familiar with the conditions there. Since Arshdeep Singh is over six feet four, he will have some bounce. In England, the ball still swings at 30, 40, or 50 overs. “I think the Indian team should definitely look out for someone who has that swing bowling ability and is a left-armer on that tour,” he continued.

On Thursday, May 29, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, PBKS will play Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Qualifier 1.