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Ricky Ponting Backs Punjab Kings Skipper Shreyas Iyer as Future India T20 Captain After Suryakumar Yadav
Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting believes Shreyas Iyer is one of the leading contenders to become India’s next T20 captain after Suryakumar Yadav, praising the Punjab Kings skipper for his maturity, leadership and current form.
Speaking to PTI, Ponting said Shreyas is currently in the best phase of his career both as a player and a leader.
“There are several contenders (for the captaincy job post Surya), but he's one of the main contenders as far as I'm concerned. We saw at the start of the tournament just how good a T20 player he is and where he's at, both on and off the field right now,” Ponting said.
“There are several contenders (for the captaincy job post Surya), but he's one of the main contenders as far as I'm concerned. We saw at the start of the tournament just how good a T20 player he is and where he's at, both on and off the field right now,” Ponting said.
“He's a much more mature player than he's probably ever been in his whole career. He's completely on top of his game now,” the former Australian captain added.
Although Suryakumar recently led India to a second T20 World Cup title, his form has declined significantly over the past year, including during the ongoing IPL season.
Although Suryakumar recently led India to a second T20 World Cup title, his form has declined significantly over the past year, including during the ongoing IPL season.
Meanwhile, discussions around Shreyas potentially becoming India’s next T20 captain have intensified despite him currently being out of the national setup.
Shreyas has enjoyed considerable success as a leader in the IPL. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title before joining Punjab Kings, where he led the franchise to its first final in 11 years during his debut season as captain.
Shreyas has enjoyed considerable success as a leader in the IPL. He guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an IPL title before joining Punjab Kings, where he led the franchise to its first final in 11 years during his debut season as captain.
Punjab Kings had an impressive first half of the season before suffering a dramatic slump with six consecutive defeats. However, the team still remains in contention for a playoff spot ahead of its crucial final league game against Lucknow Super Giants.
Ponting backed both Shreyas and Punjab to bounce back strongly.
“There are going to be times when you have your ups and downs as an individual and as a team. I'm pretty sure he'll bounce back in this last game that we've got. If he stands up and makes a big score, then have a good chance of winning the game,” Ponting said.
“There are going to be times when you have your ups and downs as an individual and as a team. I'm pretty sure he'll bounce back in this last game that we've got. If he stands up and makes a big score, then have a good chance of winning the game,” Ponting said.
The Punjab Kings head coach also expressed surprise over Shreyas’ absence from India’s T20 side.
“Whenever India selects a team, and Shreyas is not in it, I'm always very surprised. On the back of this IPL, I'm sure he's one name the selectors will talk about, not just to get back into the side, but also with the captaincy next to his name,” he said.
“Whenever India selects a team, and Shreyas is not in it, I'm always very surprised. On the back of this IPL, I'm sure he's one name the selectors will talk about, not just to get back into the side, but also with the captaincy next to his name,” he said.
Ponting added that competition in Indian cricket remains extremely intense and players must consistently perform to regain their place.
“The thing about Indian cricket is that you don't just walk back into teams. You've got to put a lot of runs on the board and do it in a certain way. His season so far has been very impressive, and his captaincy has been excellent.”
“The thing about Indian cricket is that you don't just walk back into teams. You've got to put a lot of runs on the board and do it in a certain way. His season so far has been very impressive, and his captaincy has been excellent.”
“He's in that little sweet spot in his life and career where, if captaincy came his way, then I think he'd make the most of it,” Ponting added.
