'Marco Jansen doesn't understand his game': Ricky Ponting makes bold remark on PBKS star
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Former Australian captain drops an interesting list of perks of the South African all-rounder, Marco Jansen, whom he has closely observed during his time with the Punjab Kings in the IPL. However, Ponting also points out that Jansen is still being lousy about his game for not having recognised his full potential, despite his unique skillset.
Left-handed pace bowling all-rounder is a very rare combination to find, and finding one of the quality of Marco Jansen is really special for South Africa. He is currently among the two most highly rated all-rounders in the world, alongside Hardik Pandya from India.
The 25-year-old fast bowler made his debut for South Africa against India across all three formats of the game. Being a regular part of the playing XI for all three formats, Jansen is a fast-bowling all-rounder. He has troubled batters across all formats, picking 89, 49 and 33 wickets in Tests, ODIs and T20Is, respectively.
"I don't think he understands his game as well as he can," Ricky Ponting's latest opinion on Marco Jansen
Speaking of the rising star of South African cricket, one of the greatest minds of world cricket, Ricky Ponting, has made a blunt yet fulfilling remark. The former Australian master coach has him in the IPL, under his wing for the Punjab Kings.
Ponting had made a great investment with Marco Jansen in the mega auction when he was bought for just INR 7 crore by the Punjab Kings. He brings alongside him some promising performances in the coming years, and his dynamic skill set with both bat and ball.
"The reason I was so keen to get Marco (Jansen) in the mega-auction last year was that I still felt there was so much upside to come with him as a player," said Ponting.
"Still very young, I don't think he probably understands his game as well as he possibly can. He is still learning every day, but what a skill set he has," Ponting's blunt remark made Jansen look like a mindless kid but with great potential.
Ponting praises Marco Jansen's unique all-round skillset
Despite having been called a developing cricketer who is learning every day and evolving into something better, Marco Jansen was also credited for having every inch of skill that makes him the ideal player for the shortest format of today's game.
"What a skill set he has; with the new ball, the old ball, and his catching hands are as good as anybody you will see. And his lower-order batting can be destructive at times. So, he is a big part of their success now," bragged Ponting.
Though Marco did not have the finest of outings with the bat, as he finished with just 75 runs in 14 matches, he made his presence felt with the ball. Having picked 16 wickets, he will be key to PBKS' campaign in the upcoming season as well.
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Marco Jansen has been South Africa's best in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026
The South African has been one of their most standout performers in recent times. Especially with the ball, Jansen has surprisingly been unbeatable on the non-pace-friendly tracks of India. Coming into the World Cup with 22 wickets, Marco Jansen has once again had an exceptional tournament in India so far.
Much like the Test tour Jansen had in India, followed by the white-ball series where he was South Africa's most successful asset among pacers, Jansen has taken 11 scalps in four World Cup appearances in 2026. Two four-wicket hauls came in the last two games against New Zealand and India.
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South Africa National Cricket Team ICC T20 World Cup Marco Jansen Punjab Kings Ricky Ponting Australia National Cricket TeamAbout the Author
This author is a member of Cricketaddictor who writes news and analysis related to cricket.
