“Perfectly Suited for English Conditions” – PBKS Bowling Coach Urges Arshdeep Singh’s Inclusion in India’s Test Squad
As India gears up for a crucial five-match Test series in England starting June 20, Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling coach James Hopes has strongly advocated for the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh in the Indian red-ball squad, citing the pacer’s skills as tailor-made for English conditions.
Arshdeep Singh: India’s Left-Arm Asset in Waiting
Having debuted in 2022, Arshdeep Singh has rapidly become one of India’s most dependable bowlers in T20Is, claiming 99 wickets in 63 matches at an average of 18.30 and an economy rate of 8.29. A standout performer in India’s 2025 T20 World Cup win, Arshdeep has also shown promise in ODIs with 14 wickets in 9 matches.
However, despite his white-ball success, the left-arm quick is yet to feature in the longest format for India. That, according to Hopes, needs to change — especially with challenging English conditions on the horizon.
“He’s perfectly suited for English conditions. He can swing the ball both ways, reverse it when needed, and bowl around the wicket to take the ball away from right-handers,” Hopes told Times of India.
IPL 2025 Form Strengthens Arshdeep’s Case
In the ongoing IPL 2025, Arshdeep has been one of the bright spots for Punjab Kings, claiming 16 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.93 and an economy of 8.00. Hopes highlighted not just his performance, but his willingness to improve and adapt.
“He’s highly skilled and very coachable. Even with the success he’s had, he’s never complacent. He’s constantly experimenting, asking questions like, ‘What if I hold the ball like this?’ That curiosity and drive make him special,” added the PBKS coach.
A Future Test Match Star?
James Hopes didn’t just stop at Arshdeep’s Test potential — he boldly predicted that the 25-year-old could go on to become one of the most dominant bowlers in world cricket.
“The way he’s swinging the ball this year is different — it’s catching batters by surprise. He’s still young and has years ahead of him. When his career ends, I believe we’ll be calling him one of the greatest bowlers of all time.”
India’s Upcoming Test Tour of England
India’s five-Test series in England is a major part of their 2025–27 World Test Championship cycle. The fixtures are:
- 1st Test: June 20 – Headingley, Leeds
- 2nd Test: June 28 – Lord’s, London
- 3rd Test: July 6 – Trent Bridge, Nottingham
- 4th Test: July 14 – The Oval, London
- 5th Test: July 24 – Old Trafford, Manchester
With India set to face the swing-friendly conditions of England, and with Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah being carefully managed, Arshdeep Singh’s inclusion could provide the left-arm variation and control that India often lacks overseas.
Final Word
Arshdeep Singh’s consistent performances, technical finesse, and hunger to evolve have made him a standout white-ball bowler. Now, with experts like James Hopes backing him for Test cricket, will India finally hand Arshdeep his red-ball debut on the grand stage of England?
All eyes are on the Indian selectors as the countdown to the English summer begins.
