Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting has backed Arshdeep Singh to be part of India’s playing XI against England in the upcoming five-match Test series. Singh has been picked in India’s 18-man squad by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel and he could be the X-factor as he will bring a left-arm angle for the team.

The left-arm pacer is yet to make his Test debut and this is his maiden Test call-up. Singh is expected to get the swing in the English conditions and he can definitely trouble the opposition’s batters.

Singh has scalped 18 wickets in 14 IPL 2025 matches for Punjab Kings and he played a key role in his team’s qualification for the playoffs.

Ricky Ponting said on ICC Review, “I think it’s well deserved. I think he’ll bowl well in England as well. I would actually have him in their Test team at the start. He’s very skillful. I think 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.”

Singh also has the experience of playing County Cricket for Kent and the Australian veteran said that experience of playing in the English conditions could come in handy.

“He’s played county cricket and he knows the conditions there as well. Arshdeep is close to six-foot-four, so he’s going to get decent bounce… as we know in England, the ball still swings when it is 30, 40 or 50 overs old. To have someone that’s got that swing bowling ability and a left-armer I think is something that the Indian team should definitely look out for on that tour,” Ponting said.

The opening Test match between India and England will be played at Leeds, Headingley, from June 20 onwards.