Ponting Backs Kishan’s X Factor and Advocates Inclusion of SKY in India’s WTC Squad

Ricky Ponting, the legendary batsman, expresses surprise over Suryakumar Yadav’s exclusion from India’s main squad for the upcoming World Test Championship final. However, he believes that Ishan Kishan can provide the much-needed ‘X’ factor in the absence of the injured Rishabh Pant.

Pant, who is recovering from injuries sustained in a car crash last December, was India’s reliable batsman in case of a top-order failure, particularly in overseas conditions.

Suryakumar, who made his Test debut earlier this year against Australia, has been named among the standby players. However, Ponting thinks that Kishan, who replaces the injured K L Rahul, can contribute to India’s aggressive style of cricket as they aim for their first ICC title in a decade.

When asked about Suryakumar’s absence, Ponting expressed surprise and agreed that he should have been included. However, he emphasized that Kishan possesses an ‘X’ factor similar to Pant, both in his wicketkeeping abilities and his batting in the middle order.

Ponting believes that if India includes these players, they should be allowed to play an attacking style of cricket. He also noted that adopting a more adventurous approach gives India the best chance to achieve a positive result in the final, as Australia is likely to adopt a similar strategy.

Shreyas Iyer, K L Rahul, and Jasprit Bumrah are the other injured players unavailable for the final. Ponting suggests that due to India’s injury concerns, they have multiple options for the batting lineup. Previously, he had Rahul in the playing eleven before his injury, but now he believes that Ishan or K S Bharat should be chosen.