I’d be surprised if India did not play Arshdeep Singh in England right away: Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting, the head coach of the Punjab Kings (PBKS), described Arshdeep Singh as a terrific guy to have in the dressing room since he is very laid-back around the team. Arshdeep has played for PBKS since 2019. He is the franchise’s highest wicket-taker this season, with 18 wickets in 14 games.

The 26-year-old is India’s leading wicket-taker in T20Is. However, he has never got the opportunity to play for the national team in the red-ball style. This could change next month, as he has been nominated to India’s 18-man Test team for the forthcoming five-match series against England.

Ponting stated that once the squad was named and Arshdeep Singh was chosen, he made an effort to communicate the good news during a team meeting.

“I’ve got an opportunity to get to know him quite well. He’s a fantastic character to have on the team. He is a fun-loving guy. He’s quite relaxed amongst the group, which is excellent. Which is what we all like,” Ponting stated of Arshdeep during an interview with the ICC Review.

“As soon as the Test squad was released the other day, the first thing I did in our team meeting was acknowledge Arshdeep’s selection and congratulate him in front of everyone. I think it is well merited. “I believe he will bowl well in England as well,” he said.

I would actually have him in their Test team from the beginning: Ricky Ponting

Ponting believes Arshdeep will perform well with the Dukes ball in England, and his experience playing County cricket will be beneficial. The former Australia captain stated that he would be astonished if India did not include him in the playing XI right away.

“I would have him on their Test team from the start. He’s quite skilled. I believe the Duke’s Ball will also benefit him in the United Kingdom. And I just believe that having a left-armer on your team will be something that, if India does not accomplish it, will surprise me,” Ponting said.

“He’s played county cricket before and is familiar with the conditions there. Arshdeep is close to six-foot-four, so he’ll receive good bounce…as we know in England, the ball still swings after 30, 40, or 50 overs. “Having someone with that swing bowling ability and being a left-armer is something that the Indian team should definitely look for on that tour,” he said.

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