Ricky Ponting Backs Suryakumar Yadav Ahead of T20 World Cup

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed strong support for India’s struggling skipper Suryakumar Yadav as the T20 World Cup approaches, set to begin on February 7.

Yadav’s Recent Form

Despite a challenging 2025 season, where Yadav managed only 218 runs in 19 innings at a strike rate of 123.16, Ponting encourages the Indian batter to trust his natural abilities. “That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form,” Ponting stated in an interview with ICC, highlighting Yadav’s previous consistency in T20 cricket.

Emphasizing Aggressive Play

Ponting’s advice to Yadav centers on maintaining his aggressive approach. He noted, “When I’ve seen him play his best, he’s taken six, eight, or ten balls to get going and then just lets it all go.” Ponting compares Yadav’s fearless playing style to that of Australia’s Travis Head, emphasizing the importance of focusing on scoring runs rather than the fear of getting out.

Praise for Axar Patel’s Vice-Captaincy

In addition to supporting Yadav, Ponting commended India’s decision to appoint Axar Patel as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup. He noted Patel’s versatility and impact in recent series, having batted at various positions and consistently performed with his left-arm off-spin bowling.

Surprise at Shubman Gill’s Exclusion

Ponting also expressed surprise at the exclusion of Indian ODI and Test captain Shubman Gill from the T20 squad. While acknowledging Gill’s recent struggles in white-ball cricket, he praised his exceptional performance in the Test series against England. Ponting remarked, “I couldn’t believe that,” pointing to Gill’s talent and the strength of India’s batting lineup.

Reflections on Team Depth

Despite his astonishment at Gill’s absence, Ponting acknowledged the depth of Indian cricket. “If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they have,” he stated.

Conclusion

Ponting’s insights highlight the importance of individual instincts and team depth in high-pressure tournaments like the T20 World Cup. As India gears up for the competition, backing players like Yadav and recognizing the strength of the squad remains essential.