Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind Arshdeep Singh, suggesting the left-arm seamer should feature in India’s playing XI for the upcoming five-Test series against England, starting June 24. Ponting, who recently coached Arshdeep at Punjab Kings in IPL 2025, believes his unique skill set and familiarity with English conditions make him a strong contender to debut in the longest format.
Though Arshdeep has yet to earn his Test cap, his red-ball credentials are promising. He has picked up 66 wickets in 21 First-Class matches at an average of 30.37 and had a decent County stint with Kent, grabbing 13 wickets in five Division One games. More recently, he played a key role in India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024 and continues to mature as a bowler.
“I’d actually start the England series with Arshdeep in the XI,” Ricky Ponting told The ICC Review. “He’s skillful, he’s played in English conditions before, and the Dukes ball will only enhance his swing. His left-arm angle adds a much-needed point of difference to the Indian pace attack. I’d be surprised if they overlook him. In England, the ball continues to swing even after 40-50 overs, and Arshdeep has that natural ability to move it both ways.”
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Ponting’s strategic input didn’t stop with the bowling attack. He also weighed in on India’s batting order in the post-Rohit-Kohli era. According to the Aussie great, Sai Sudharsan and Yashasvi Jaiswal should open the innings, pushing newly appointed captain Shubman Gill down to No. 4.
“Sudharsan just looks technically sound and composed — he could make the jump to Test cricket with ease. Pairing him with Jaiswal gives India two dynamic left-handers at the top. To balance that youth, I’d bring KL Rahul or Karun Nair in at No. 3, with Shubman at No. 4. That could help Gill manage his captaincy better — leading a side is pressure enough without opening the batting,” Ricky Ponting explained.
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The suggested top five, as per Ponting, could be Sudharsan, Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, and Karun Nair — a blend of youthful flair and seasoned experience as India prepares for a challenging English summer.
