Cricket

Australia's legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting has predicted India's fast-bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah to emerge as the leading wicket-taker in the upcoming Men's T20 World Cup in the West Indies and the USA. Bumrah missed the 2022 edition of the tournament due to a back injury that required surgery. However, he returns to the showpiece event in impressive form, having taken 20 wickets in 13 games for Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), with an astonishing economy rate of 6.48.Ponting believes Bumrah's exceptional skills with the new ball, his ability to swing and seam the ball, and his impressive economy rate make him a prime candidate for the top wicket-taker award. "He's just come off an outstanding IPL. What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up," Ponting said. "His economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over. He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way."In addition to Bumrah, Ponting also predicts Australia's left-handed opener Travis Head to be a contender for the top run-scorer in the tournament. Head, who was named Player of the Match in last year's ODI World Cup final, scored 567 runs in 15 matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 at a strike rate of 191.55."My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head," Ponting said. "I just think everything he's done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he's playing fearless cricket at the moment."Ponting acknowledges that Head's IPL form had its ups and downs, but he believes that when Head is in form, he can win games for his team. "His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it's been good, it's been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team. And it'll be exactly the same for Australia - so, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament," Ponting said. "But he'll be right up there, I'm sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I've said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he'll win more games than ever."The 2024 Men's T20 World Cup will commence on June 1, with the opening match between co-hosts USA and Canada at Dallas. Australia will begin their campaign against Group B opponents Oman at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on June 5. India will also play their first game of the competition on the same day, against Ireland at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has predicted that India's pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and Aussie batting sensation Travis Head will emerge as the leading wicket-taker and run-getter, respectively, in the upcoming T20 World Cup.Ponting, renowned for his cricketing acumen, believes Bumrah's exceptional pace and skill in delivering crucial breakthroughs will make him the tournament's top wicket-taker. On the batting front, he expects Head's aggressive and consistent performances to earn him the most runs.Both players have shown remarkable prowess in T20 cricket, and Ponting's prediction underscores their potential to shine on the world stage, setting high expectations for their contributions in the tournament.Bumrah is coming off a sensational IPL season, where he took 20 wickets in 13 games and maintained an impressive economy rate of 6.48, despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament."My leading wicket-taker for the tournament will be Jasprit Bumrah," Ponting told The ICC Review. "I just think an outstanding performer, contributor for a number of years now. He's just come off an outstanding IPL.""What he can do with the new ball, he swings the new ball, he has the seam up. But at the end, his economy rate at the end of the IPL was less than seven runs an over.""He takes wickets. He does bowl a lot of the hard overs too. When you bowl the hard overs in T20 cricket, it gives you a chance to pick up a lot of wickets along the way. So, I'm going with him," added Ponting.Ponting selected fellow Australian Head as his pick for the top run-scorer in the upcoming tournament."My prediction for the leading run-scorer will be Travis Head," Ponting said. "I just think everything he's done, whether it be red-ball or white-ball in the last couple of years, has been of the highest quality. I think he's playing fearless cricket at the moment."Head suffered an injury at the beginning of the ICC World Cup last year. However, Australia's belief in his abilities was so strong that they kept him with the squad until he recovered.In his return match against New Zealand during the tournament, Head repaid the team's trust with a blistering century. He concluded the World Cup with an impressive record, scoring two hundreds and a fifty, maintaining an average above 50, and striking at a remarkable rate of 127.52.Head's exceptional form persisted in the current IPL 2024 season, where he played a crucial role as an opener in Sunrisers Hyderabad's journey to the final. Throughout the tournament, he amassed 567 runs in 15 matches, maintaining an extraordinary strike rate of 191.55.Despite Head's underwhelming conclusion to the IPL season, Ponting anticipates that he will continue to display his explosive batting prowess during the upcoming matches in the Caribbean and the United States."His IPL had its ups and downs, but when it's been good, it's been very good. And it has won games of cricket for his team," Ponting noted."And it'll be exactly the same for Australia. So, look, he might not be the most consistent on the way through this tournament, but he'll be right up there, I'm sure, with the leading run scorers. And as I've said, if he spends any amount of time at the wicket for Australia, he'll win more games than ever," Ponting concluded.The T20 World Cup 2024 will begin on June 1 in the West Indies and USA.

Rishabh Pant's remarkable return to cricket after a horrific car crash has left Delhi Capitals coach Ricky Ponting in awe. The dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman has silenced doubters with his impressive performance in the recent IPL season, amassing 446 runs at an average of 40.54 and a strike rate of 155.40. He also claimed 16 dismissals behind the stumps, tied for the most in the tournament.Ponting, who initially had doubts about Pant's ability to play again, has been blown away by his determination and recovery. "It's been nothing short of spectacular," Ponting told The ICC Review. "I had grave fears that he would never play the game again."Pant's dedication to his recovery, supported by the Delhi Capitals franchise and physio Patrick Farhart, has been instrumental in his comeback. Despite concerns about his ability to handle the physical demands of wicketkeeping, Pant has proven his mettle, earning him a spot in India's T20 World Cup squad."No one had real concerns about his batting, but with his wicket-keeping, there were certainly some concerns," Ponting said. "But he's looked after himself incredibly well."Pant's exceptional performance has not only impressed Ponting but also earned him widespread praise. His return to form is a testament to his resilience and the support he has received from his team and loved ones.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is actively seeking a new head coach for the men's national team, and several prominent former cricketers have emerged as potential candidates. Among the top Indian contenders are VVS Laxman and Gautam Gambhir, while international names like Ricky Ponting, Justin Langer, and Stephen Fleming have also been linked to the role.However, it is reported that Kolkata Knight Riders mentor Gautam Gambhir is the frontrunner for the position. According to Dainik Jagaran, Gambhir is eager to take up the job despite being in his first year as KKR mentor. However, he has one condition: he wants a "selection guarantee" before applying.Gambhir is reportedly unwilling to simply be an applicant for the post. He wants to be assured of his selection as Rahul Dravid's replacement before submitting his application. The deadline for applications is May 27, and it is unclear how many potential coaches have expressed interest.The BCCI has denied reaching out to Ponting and Langer, despite claims from the duo that they were approached but declined the offer. If Gambhir does apply and is selected, he will have to step down from his role as KKR mentor.Gambhir's impressive performance as KKR mentor has significantly boosted his chances of becoming India's head coach. Under his guidance, the franchise has shown remarkable resurgence in IPL 2023.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has denied reports that former Australian cricketers Ricky Ponting and Justin Langer were approached for the position of head coach of the Indian senior men's team. BCCI secretary Jay Shah stated that the board has not contacted any former Australian cricketer for the coaching role.Shah emphasized the significance of the head coach position for Team India, which boasts a massive global fan base and a rich cricketing history. He stressed the need for a highly professional coach who can nurture the team's talented players and elevate Indian cricket to new heights.Shah clarified that the BCCI is focused on identifying candidates with a deep understanding of the Indian cricket structure and who have risen through the ranks. He believes that an in-depth knowledge of the domestic cricket framework is crucial for the coach to effectively guide Team India.Ponting had previously revealed that he was contacted about the head coach position but declined due to lifestyle considerations. He expressed his desire to coach a national team but acknowledged that the time commitment and conflict with his IPL involvement made it unsuitable for him at present.Langer, who was reportedly interested in the role, also withdrew his candidacy after receiving advice from Lucknow Super Giants skipper KL Rahul. Rahul cautioned Langer about the immense pressure and political dynamics involved in coaching Team India, which he described as significantly more challenging than managing an IPL franchise.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the head coach position. The board is expected to conduct a thorough selection process to identify the most suitable candidate to lead Team India into the future.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has revealed that he was approached to become India's next head coach. However, despite expressing interest in the role, Ponting has stated that it is an "unlikely" option for him at present due to the significant time commitment it would require.Ponting, who is currently the head coach of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and a television commentator in Australia, said that he has ambitions to coach a national team in the future. However, he emphasized that the timing is not right for him to take on the India job, given his other commitments."I'd love to be a senior coach of a national team, but with the other things that I have in my life and wanting to have a bit of time at home…everyone knows if you take a job working with the Indian team you can't be involved in an IPL team, so it would take that out of it as well," Ponting explained.He added that the role of a national head coach requires a significant time commitment, which does not align with his current lifestyle. "Also, a national head coach is a 10 or 11-month of the year job, and as much as I'd like to do it, it just doesn't fit into my lifestyle right now and the things that I really enjoy doing," Ponting said.Despite his initial reluctance, Ponting did leave the door slightly open to the possibility of taking on the India job in the future. He revealed that his young son, Fletcher, had expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of moving to India."My family and my kids have spent the last five weeks over at the IPL with me and they come over every year and I had a whisper to my son about it, and I said, 'Dad's been offered the Indian coaching job' and he said, 'Just take it dad, we would love to move over there for the next couple of years,'" Ponting said.However, Ponting emphasized that his current lifestyle and commitments make it unlikely that he will accept the India job at this time. He is currently the head of strategy at Hobart Hurricanes in Australia's Big Bash League and the head coach of Washington Freedom in the MLC tournament in the United States.The BCCI has set a deadline of May 27 for applications for the India head coach role, which will cover all three formats of the game for a period of three and a half years, starting from July 2024.

Ricky Ponting, the legendary Australian cricketer, has expressed his bewilderment at the Indian selectors' apparent reluctance to select Virat Kohli for the upcoming T20 World Cup. Ponting believes that Kohli, with his exceptional class and experience, should be an automatic pick for the tournament.Kohli's impressive performance in the ongoing IPL, where he leads the run table with 708 runs from 14 innings, has further strengthened Ponting's belief in his abilities. Despite concerns about his strike rate at the top of the order, Ponting argues that Kohli's overall value to the Indian team cannot be underestimated."He (Kohli) is the first pick for me for India. So, class and experience like that, you can't replace," Ponting told ICC. "It's funny with Virat. I think people in India just always try to find a reason not to pick him or a reason why he's maybe not as good as some of these other guys in the T20 game."Ponting suggests that Kohli should open the innings with skipper Rohit Sharma, allowing players like Suryakumar Yadav to accelerate the run rate later in the innings. He also highlights the importance of having left-handed batters in the team, which could influence the selectors' decision regarding Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting position.Kohli's adaptability and willingness to improve are evident in his improved strike rate this season, which is the highest in his 17 years with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Ponting acknowledges that while strike rates have gained prominence in recent years, Kohli's ability to anchor the innings and play according to the situation remains invaluable."The mantra I think for the teams three or four years ago, was making sure that someone at the top of the order made 80 or 100, even if it took them 60 balls, it didn't really matter," Ponting said. "I think it's sort of shifting now to be more of a strike rate based game where you can have a massive impact on a game with a 40 off 15 balls rather than getting an 80 off 55 balls sort of thing."Kohli's crucial contributions in high-pressure matches, such as his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan and half-century against England in the 2022 T20 World Cup, further demonstrate his reliability in crunch situations. Ponting believes that Kohli's experience and ability to perform under pressure make him an indispensable asset for the Indian team.

The Indian cricket team's head coach position is set to become vacant after the 2024 T20 World Cup, and speculation is rife about who will succeed Rahul Dravid. The BCCI has already released an advertisement for the post, with the deadline for applications set for May 27.Among the names being touted as potential candidates are Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. Gambhir, in particular, has been approached by the BCCI, according to ESPN Cricinfo. However, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra has raised concerns about Gambhir's suitability for the role, given his strict coaching style.Chopra believes that Gambhir's approach may not be well-received by senior players in the team. "Gautam Gambhir - the coach, very strong personality. When there is a transition, a new captain is coming, then yes. However, if the team has a lot of seniors already, I will be a little wary because Gauti's style of working is almost like a strict father," Chopra said."When you have very senior players in the team, you are looking for a big brother who keeps his hand on their shoulders and doesn't try to impose himself. With Gautam that's not going to happen. It's very simple with him. My way or the high way. When it's 'my way' then every time, especially when seniors are there, things may not always fall your way. You can do that with young players. That is what I feel."Gambhir has never coached at the domestic level, but he has been the mentor for IPL sides Lucknow Super Giants and Kolkata Knight Riders. He has guided both teams to the playoffs, demonstrating his ability to build and manage a team.As a player, Gambhir was a key member of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in 2007 and the ODI World Cup in 2011. He played pivotal roles in both tournament finals, showcasing his leadership qualities and ability to perform under pressure.Whether Gambhir's coaching style is suitable for the Indian team remains to be seen. However, his experience as a player and his success as a mentor suggest that he has the potential to be a successful head coach.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has initiated the search for a new head coach for the Indian cricket team, with the tenure of current coach Rahul Dravid set to expire after the 2024 T20 World Cup. The deadline for applications is May 27, and the successful candidate will hold the position until December 31, 2027, effectively covering the 2027 ODI World Cup.Several prominent names have emerged as potential candidates, including Stephen Fleming, Ricky Ponting, and Gautam Gambhir. According to reports, the BCCI has informally approached Fleming, who has extensive experience as the coach of the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). However, it remains uncertain whether Fleming will apply for the role, given the requirement for the coach to spend 10 months of the year with the Indian team.CSK has denied any rumors of Fleming's departure, with CEO Kasi Viswanathan stating that there has been no communication between Fleming and the franchise regarding the Indian coaching position. Despite CSK's denial, the team recently posted a tribute to Fleming on social media, acknowledging his guidance and support.The BCCI has outlined specific qualifications and experience requirements for the head coach position. Candidates must have played a minimum of 30 Test matches or 50 ODIs, or have served as the head coach of a full member Test-playing nation for at least two years. Alternatively, they must have been the head coach of an associate member/IPL team or equivalent international league/first-class teams/national A teams for a minimum of three years. Additionally, candidates must possess a BCCI Level 3 Certification or equivalent and be below 60 years of age.The BCCI has stated that the remuneration for the head coach is negotiable and will be commensurate with experience. The operating environment for the coach is described as demanding, requiring the ability to handle the expectations and pressures associated with managing elite athletes.