Thu May 29 14:20:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Arshdeep Singh Earns Test Call-Up, Ricky Ponting Backs Him for Debut**

**New Delhi, India –** Young left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh has been named to Team India’s squad for the upcoming Test tour of England, marking a significant milestone in his career. The announcement, made last week by BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar, has generated excitement among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike.

Arshdeep has been a consistent performer in white-ball formats for India, establishing himself as a key player in the T20I setup since 2022 and breaking into the ODI lineup last year. His impressive performances, both at home and abroad, have convinced the team management of his potential in the longest format.

The inclusion of Arshdeep provides a valuable left-arm option to the Indian pace attack, which already features prominent names like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, and Akash Deep.

Ricky Ponting, head coach of the Punjab Kings and familiar with Arshdeep’s capabilities, has voiced strong support for the young bowler. Ponting believes Arshdeep should be included in the playing XI for the first Test of the series, starting June 20. “I would actually have him in their Test team at the start. He’s very skillful,” Ponting told The ICC Review. He emphasized the advantage of having a left-arm pacer in the team and highlighted the Dukes ball’s suitability to Arshdeep’s bowling style.

Ponting also noted that Arshdeep’s previous experience playing for Kent in the County Championships in 2023 will prove beneficial. “He’s played county cricket and he knows the conditions there as well,” Ponting noted. He further highlighted Arshdeep’s height and ability to generate bounce and swing, even with older balls.

Ponting revealed that he immediately congratulated Arshdeep in front of the Punjab Kings team after the squad announcement. “I think it’s well deserved. I think he’ll bowl well in England as well,” said Ponting.

Cricket fans eagerly await the start of the Test series to witness Arshdeep Singh’s potential impact on the Indian team.

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