Ricky Ponting picked star players for T20 World Cup 2024 playing XI: Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has unveiled his dream XI for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, featuring a blend of international superstars known for their flair, aggression, and match-winning abilities.
Ponting’s selection includes explosive openers, a dynamic middle-order, versatile spin options, and a formidable pace attack. Here’s a closer look at the players Ponting has chosen for his T20 World Cup XI.
Table of Contents
Openers Batsman
Ponting starts his XI with India’s Virat Kohli, highlighting his exceptional performance in the IPL and his consistent run-scoring ability.
Kohli, the leading run-scorer in the recent IPL with 708 runs at a strike rate of 155.6, also topped the charts in the last T20 World Cup. Ponting praises Kohli’s ability to deliver in big matches, emphasizing his experience and class.
Travis Head
Kohli’s opening partner is Australia’s Travis Head, who has been instrumental in Australia’s recent successes. Despite limited T20I appearances, Head’s explosive batting for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL earned him a spot in Ponting’s XI.
Ponting commends Head’s clean hitting and his hunger for runs, which can turn games in Australia’s favor.
Middle-order Batsman
At number three, Ponting selects India’s Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked batter in men’s T20Is. Despite an inconsistent IPL season, Yadav’s ability to play 360-degree shots makes him a standout T20 player.
Ponting appreciates Yadav’s innovative batting, which keeps bowlers guessing and puts pressure on the opposition.
Australia’s Glenn Maxwell comes in at number four. Ponting acknowledges Maxwell’s indifferent IPL season but highlights his all-round abilities and his knack for performing in crucial moments, as seen in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Maxwell’s off-spin and aggressive batting make him a valuable asset in the middle order.
Heinrich Klaasen (wk)
South African Heinrich Klaasen, known for his exceptional play against spin, takes the wicketkeeper’s slot and the number five position.
Ponting highlights Klaasen’s standout performances over the past few years, especially his ability to dominate spinners, making him a crucial player in the middle order.
David Miller
Another South African, David Miller, rounds out the middle order at number six. Known for his finishing abilities, Miller’s experience and power-hitting are key reasons for his inclusion.
Ponting emphasizes Miller’s role as a finisher in both international cricket and the IPL, where he has consistently delivered under pressure.
Spin Bowlers
India’s Ravindra Jadeja, a left-arm spin all-rounder, brings versatility to Ponting’s XI. Ponting lauds Jadeja’s batting, bowling, and exceptional fielding skills. Jadeja’s ability to match up against right-handers and his overall experience make him an essential part of the team.
Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan, a world-renowned leg-spinner, occupies the number eight spot. Ponting praises Rashid’s consistent performances in T20 cricket globally and his contributions with the bat. Rashid’s agility and skill in the field further solidify his place in Ponting’s dream XI.
Fast Bowlers
Pat Cummins
Australian all-rounder Pat Cummins is included for his improved T20 bowling and his ability to contribute with the bat. Ponting notes Cummins’ versatility in taking the new ball and bowling crucial overs, along with his proficiency in adapting to varying conditions, which can be vital in the Caribbean.
Shaheen Afridi
Pakistan’s Shaheen Afridi, known for his new-ball prowess, is Ponting’s pick for number ten. Ponting highlights Afridi’s ability to swing the ball at high speeds and his effectiveness in taking early wickets, which is crucial in T20 matches.
Afridi’s skills at the death with his yorkers make him a formidable bowler.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah completes Ponting’s XI. Described as a “congregator” by Ponting, Bumrah’s exceptional death bowling and versatility in all phases of the game make him indispensable.
His recent IPL performance, with an economy rate under seven, underscores his ability to dominate at the highest level.
Also Read:Source: ICC