Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting heaped Praise on the Indian youngster Shubman Gill for putting up a fine performance for the Indian team across all three formats in recent times. The 23-year-old is expected to play a vital role alongside Indian skipper Rohit Sharma at the top of the order to face the stiff challenge of the Australian new ball attack.
Shubman Gill has been a revelation for the Indian team since the start of 2023, as he has been slated as India’s primary opener in all three formats of the game performing for the Men in Blue at the highest level. The youngster has scored centuries in all the formats for India in 2023 and will look to continue his fine form going into the WTC Final.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Ricky Ponting reckons that the Gujarat Titans opener has got some attitude about his game and feels that his front foot pull shot would be key against the Australian fast bowling attack.
“He looks like a terrific young guy. He’s got that bit of attitude about him as well. He’s got a bit of swagger. He has some serious class. That sort of front foot pull shot that he plays against the fast bowlers will be a shot that he’ll probably need against this Australian attack,” Ricky Ponting said.
Shubman Gill has been the standout performer for the Gujarat Titans in this edition of the IPL. In the 2023 season, the Indian youngster has slammed 890 runs at an average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 and will be high on confidence scoring three centuries in the last five games against a formidable bowling attack in the cash-rich league.
Australia Know The Skillset Mohammed Shami Has Got – Ricky Ponting
Ricky Ponting feels that Indian Pacer Mohammed Shami needs to take up his game to another level to win the championship for his side in England and reckons that Australian batters will aware of Shami’s threat with the new ball and old ball, as Aussies know about the pacer’s ability to make the difference in the team.
“I think he has to step up or try and take his game to another level if India is going to win this game. When you talk to the Australian batters as well, they understand how good Shami is whether it’s a new ball or an old ball, whether it’s in Australia or India. They know the skillset he’s got and how dangerous he can be. It’s going to have to be him,” Ricky Ponting added.
Indian Pacers Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj will be crucial for India’s chance against Australia as they can be lethal for the team’s success in England. Both pacers will be coming into the contest after their successful season in the Indian Premier League and will look to continue their form against Australia in Oval Conditions.