Ricky Ponting Wants Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan at WTC Final 2023 | World Test Championship 2023
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket captain, has expressed his belief that India should field a team consisting of X-factor players in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia. Ponting specifically mentioned the inclusion of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav as crucial to India’s chances of gaining an edge over their opponents. He also suggested that both R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja should be included in the playing XI, with Jadeja being utilized primarily as a batsman at number six.
ICC Review Podcast | ICC WTC Final 2023:
In an interview on the ICC Review podcast, Ponting emphasized the importance of the WTC final and the need for India to win the match. He recommended Ishan Kishan as the preferred wicketkeeper-batsman in the absence of Rishabh Pant, stating that Kishan possesses the X-factor required for a Test match victory. While acknowledging the abilities of KS Bharat, Ponting believed that Kishan brings an additional dimension to the team with his aggressive batting style and ability to maintain a high run-rate.
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav | ICC WTC Final 2023:
Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav are both relatively inexperienced in Test cricket. Although Kishan is yet to make his Test debut, he was part of the squad during India’s home Test series against Australia earlier in the year. Suryakumar, on the other hand, made his Test debut in that same series, contributing eight runs in the only innings India batted in Nagpur. Despite their limited Test experience, both players have impressive records in first-class cricket.
Suryakumar Yadav has amassed 5557 runs in 80 first-class matches at an average of 44.45, while Ishan Kishan has scored 2985 runs in 48 matches, averaging 38.76. Although they have primarily made their mark as explosive batsmen in shorter formats of the game, their performances in domestic cricket have caught the attention of selectors.
Ponting did not elaborate on why he preferred Suryakumar Yadav to bat at number five but expressed his satisfaction with Ajinkya Rahane’s return to the Test squad. Rahane, who was dropped from the team in early 2022, had an impressive domestic season, finishing as Mumbai’s highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy. His aggressive stroke play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL also impressed Ponting, who acknowledged the impact of IPL performances on Test selection.
Role of Spinners | ICC WTC Final 2023:
Regarding the selection of spinners, Ponting believed that India would choose R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja due to the nature of the pitch at The Oval, where the WTC final will be held. Ponting acknowledged that Ashwin is a more skilled and accomplished Test bowler compared to Jadeja. However, he suggested that Jadeja’s improved batting abilities make him a suitable candidate for the number six batting position. In addition, Jadeja’s spin bowling skills could come into play later in the match if the pitch starts to favor spinners.
Pitch and Conditions| ICC WTC Final 2023:
The Oval has historically been known for providing a good batting surface, offering minimal assistance to fast bowlers on the first day. However, there have been instances where the pitch has shown a significant turn as the match progresses, particularly if it starts out dry. Ponting highlighted the potential for the pitch to turn and emphasized the value of having a high-quality spin bowling option like Jadeja if the conditions favor spin later in the match.
Final Words | ICC WTC Final 2023:
In conclusion, Ricky Ponting’s recommendations for India’s playing XI in the WTC final revolve around the inclusion of X-factor players like Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav. He also stressed the importance of having experienced spinners like R. Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in the team, particularly if the pitch at The Oval starts to favor spin bowling. Ponting’s insights provide valuable considerations for the Indian team management as they prepare for the crucial WTC final against Australia.
