Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes that Rishabh Pant could prove to be a ‘trump card’ on Australia’s ‘fast and bouncy’ pitches in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with each match as a ‘floater’ depending on the circumstances. Can be used on location. Ponting has worked with Pant in the Delhi Capitals franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the Indian wicketkeeper rates the batsman very highly. He also spoke big about the form of former India captain Virat Kohli.
Ponting said in the ICC review, “Pant is a great player. A great youngster who will be a very dangerous cricketer for India in the T20 World Cup, especially on Australian wickets which are very flat, fast and bouncy. All eyes will be on his performance in the tournament (World T20).” Ponting believes that Pant’s position in the batting order should be flexible, according to the needs of the Indian team.
Ponting said, “I think he can be fed as a ‘floater’. I would probably like him at number five in the Indian batting line-up, but in certain situations where there are seven-eight overs left, I would like to send him and give as much time as possible. He is such a great player and such an aggressive player that I would like to use him that way.
Regarding Virat Kohli, Ponting said that form can be bad for anyone and Virat ruled world cricket for almost 12 years without any failure. He said that during the Indian Premier League 2022 (IPL 2022) there was a lot of discussion about Virat taking a break and being mentally exhausted.
Ponting further said that Virat has to take the final call on this as he knows the best way to deal with the situation. However, he also said that sometimes even great players make the mistake of identifying their fatigue and it is only after taking a break that they realize that they need a break from the game.