Asia Cup 2022: I Was Surprised To See Rishabh Pant Being Left Out Of The XI Against Pakistan - Ricky Ponting

Pant was a surprising absence in the game against Pakistan, which India won by five wickets, in order to keep Dinesh Karthik in the starting lineup.

Pant’s exclusion from India’s starting lineup against Pakistan on Sunday caught Ricky Ponting, a former Australia captain and head coach of Delhi Capitals in the IPL, completely off guard.

I Have A Soft Spot For Rishabh Pant: Ricky Ponting

“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.”

“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 skillset, 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,” said Ponting on The ICC Review Show.

“I don’t think it’ll be too long before we see him (Pant) back into that team. 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. This is where I’ll come back again, the Indian selectors have got some big decision to make, tough decisions to make. When you”, pointing further said.

Also Read: ENG vs SA: Ben Stokes Says England Have Set Benchmark Of Standards After Victory Against South Africa In 2nd Test