Former Australian batting legend, Ricky Ponting, was seen making tough calls in the latest episode of ICC Review. As we all are heading towards the World Cup, the things off the field are getting interesting. The majority of ICC Review episodes are currently centred around the ICC T20 World Cup 2022. In the latest episode, Ricky Ponting was asked to make a choice between two players.
It was a sort of players’ battle off-field. While answering many questions, Ponting was seen in a tremendous dilemma. The Australian Legend found it really difficult to make a choice between the two options provided.
Shaheen Shah Afridi Or Jasprit Bumrah?
One of the most difficult head-to-head matchups was between currently the two top bowlers in T20 cricket. These two are the premier fast bowlers in the world, Jasprit Bumrah and Shaheen Afridi. They can boast of having enviable records in the shortest format. Jasprit Bumrah has picked up 69 wickets in 58 matches while Shaheen Afridi has taken 47 in 40.
Ponting expressed that these two pacers are equally effective with the new ball as well as in the death overs. While making the statement, Ponting said, “Look, how do you split those two guys? They are two of the best performing bowlers in the world in the last couple of years in all formats of the game.”
Eventually, Ponting had to make a choice and he chose Jasprit Bumrah on the basis of experience. He said, “I’ll probably go on experience alone – I’ll go for Bumrah. He’s played a fair bit of cricket in Australia now, played more in Australia than Afridi and has played more big tournaments as well than Afridi has,”
Rishabh Pant Or Dinesh Karthik?
Another tough debate in the Indian cricketing circles has long been raging on who should be the designated wicketkeeper-batter in the side. While Karthik can boast about being an excellent finisher, Pant’s prodigious talent has seen him being backed by many. Ponting believes that they both should be included in the team as their batting styles are different.
Ponting said, “I actually think that India’s best team has both of these players. I don’t care if they are both keepers but I think their batting prowess is enough.”. Explaining more about his statement, “Rishabh in the middle order and Dinesh as a finisher, they look extremely dangerous to me,” Ponting added.
Ponting finally made a choice and backed Rishabh Pant. “Look, I’m just going to favour Rishabh because I think he might get slightly more opportunities than Dinesh does,” Punter concluded.