Former Australian Captain and also the Head Coach of Delhi Capitals in IPL, Ricky Ponting expressed that he was amazed to see the selection strategy of the Indian Cricket Team. Ponting, in an episode of ICC Review, expressed that he was surprised by seeing what happened at the toss before the Great Cricketing Drama of India-Pakistan.
As Rohit Sharma came out for the toss at the Asia Cup opener, no one expected that he would shock some of the fans in the next few minutes. In the lead-up to this game, it was Rishabh Pant who was tipped as the main wicket-keeper for India and Dinesh Karthik being the backup.
It was for this simple reason that Dinesh Karthik travelled with second-string Team India to Ireland and even to West Indies, while Pant was given rest alongside top players like Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah.
Going into Asia Cup, it was anybody’s guess who would have donned the gloves for Team India in the opening game against arch-rivals Pakistan. And yet Pant was sidelined and in came Dinesh Karthik the finisher. And When it seemed that Pant would not make it in the playing eleven in the entire Asia Cup 2022, he was again included in the Playing 11 against Hong Kong.
Who Will Guard The Wickets Against Pakistan Is Still A Surprise
After playing two matches in the league stages with two different Wicket- Keepers, We are not able to even make guess who will make it to the playing XI against Pakistan. India have two choices and to make choice between these two will be a great dilemma. On one hand, we have Dinesh Karthik, who just got to play a ball against Pakistan. While, on the other hand, we have Rishabh Pant, who did not even come out to bat in the second match.
“I Was Really Surprised. To Be Honest”: Ponting
Ponting expressed in the ICC Review that he was surprised by the selection. He said, “I was really surprised. To be honest, there was some talk about it, once again on social media channels going into the game, which way would they go because I think they needed the sixth bowling option, He (Pant) is honestly one of my favourites having worked with him for a long time now at the Delhi Capitals, and obviously being a franchise captain.”
Ponting Believes Pant Will Make A Comeback In Near Future
Ponting claimed that Rishabh Pant is an extremely talented player. It will be hard for selectors to keep him out for a long time. Praising the capabilities of Rishabh, Ponting said, “I have a bit more of a soft spot for him than most, but for all the right reasons as well because I know his character. I know his skill set, I know how much he wants to do well and how much he wants to win games – whether it’s for Delhi Capitals or for India.”. Talking about Rishabh Pant’s comeback, “I don’t think it’ll be too long before we see him back into that team,” he added.
Ponting also agreed that Dinesh Karthik is in great form. “But once again, when you look at the balance that India had though in that side, you know it’s hard to leave Karthik out because Dinesh is in career-best form, and by a long way.”