India Made A Wrong Choice By Leaving Rishabh Pant for World Cup – Ricky Ponting
Apr 23, 2019 at 10:46 AM
One good knock can fetch many for a cricketer. Currently, Rishabh Pant has kept the Indian selectors under the pump by his swashbuckling knock against Rajasthan Royals. Pant showed that he can deliver the goods under pressure for the team, which was one of the criteria for Pant, who missed out the World Cup selection. Meanwhile, Ricky Ponting makes his voice.
After the conclusion of the squad announcement for the upcoming ICC World Cup 2019, one of the major debates in the town is the selection of Dinesh Karthik ahead of Rishabh Pant. People were surprised with the call, as they felt that Pant is an obvious choice. One of those believers is Ricky Ponting, who felt Pant is an X-factor for India.
Initially, there was a stiff competition between Rishabh Pant and Dinesh Karthik for the second wicketkeeper, however, in the end, it was Dinesh Karthik, who got the nod to travel England. The selection panel said that Pant was close but Karthik got the ability to keep wickets well.
Rishabh Pant would have been devasting in England – Ricky Ponting
The former Australian cricketer, who is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals quoted that the young Rishabh Pant was disappointed for not being included in the squad for World Cup. Ponting believes that Pant would have been a great aspect for India in England conditions.
“I know how disappointed he was to miss out on the World Cup. In my opinion as well, I think India made the wrong choice there. And also, I think he would have been absolutely devastating in English conditions through those middle over against spinners,” he said.
Further, Ricky Ponting added that he would have loved to watch Pant batting in the England conditions, where the ball would come on to the bat. However, he believes that Pant got the age on his side to play at least three to four World Cups in his career.
“Would have loved to see what he could have done in the World Cup. As I said at the time he was left out, he’s got the potential to play three or four more World Cups if he keeps himself fit and healthy.”
All in all, it would be interesting to see how things would turn out in the upcoming few days. For now, the selectors have named Rishabh Pant in the standby chart alongside Ambati Rayudu. It would certainly mean that Pant is in the contention.