Ricky Ponting accuses Gautam Gambhir, Shubman Gill of putting 'internal pressure' on Sai Sudharsan
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Ricky Ponting, the former Australian skipper, is known for his honest takes on cricket scenarios and modern cricketers. The batter has never backed away from freely praising any new talent or even giving audacious opinions.
This time around, as well, he did not mince his words while commenting on India's issue at number three, as the Indian side has struggled to fill the no. 3 spot ever since Cheteshwar Pujara was dropped from the Indian team.
Hanuma Vihari was tried in 2022, but ever since then, Shubman Gill has taken up the spot. India has not looked for a backup; however, after Virat Kohli announced his retirement, Gill was pushed down the order to No. 4.
Ricky Ponting slams Shubman Gill for creating internal pressure
In the ongoing England tour, Sai Sudharsan came in to bat at no. 3, replacing Karun Nair, who batted in the position in the two games at Edgbaston and Lord's. Sudharsan played the first Test and is now back in the fourth after being out for the second and the third Tests.
Ponting has urged the Indian coach Gautam Gambhir and the Indian Captain Shubman Gill to back the new Indian no. 3.
"It just creates internal pressure, the pressure a youngster doesn't need or someone coming in doesn't need, looking over their shoulders on if they will get another opportunity."
"That's why I was really surprised that they made the call on Sudarshan for the first Test and then went away from him and then went straight back to him." added Ricky Ponting to SkySports.
Ricky Ponting backs Gujarat Titans batter as India's No. 3
The two-time World Cup-winning skipper has backed the Gujarat Titans batter, Sai Sudharsan, who had a commanding season in the IPL. He was the highest run-scorer in the IPL2025 and was picked for the England tour.
"For a young bloke, you want that bit of reassurance from your captain and your coaches - We are picking you now, and we are going to give you a decent run at it and see how you go. I've got no doubt that Sudarshan is going to be good enough," said Ricky Ponting.
He has also urged them to follow in the footsteps of the English coach and captain, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes.
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India has struggled with their no. 3 batter
India started off the England series with a massive blow; Virat Kohli announced his retirement from Test cricket. After which the new captain was given a new role at no. 4. Shubman Gill has filled the big shoes of the former batter, but the no. 4 spot has been a major concern for India.
India has tried the likes of Karun Nair and now Sai Sudharsan at no. 3; they are likely looking to settle with one player who can be promising, and with Ricky Ponting's recent words, he seems impressed by the 23-year-old left-handed star.
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