Ponting Praises Iyer’s Brilliance: Indian cricket has always been filled with exceptional talents, but the way Shreyas Iyer has been handled by the selectors has left many baffled. The latest to voice his opinion is Australian great Ricky Ponting, who finds it surprising that Iyer hasn’t secured a permanent spot in India’s white-ball squad. Given his recent exploits, the question arises: Is India undervaluing a proven match-winner?
Ponting’s Astonishment: A Vote of Confidence for Iyer
Ponting Praises Iyer’s Brilliance: Ponting, who is now the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, recently expressed his disbelief at the way Iyer has been sidelined despite his incredible performances. “I actually felt surprised,” said Ponting. He further highlighted that a batter of Iyer’s caliber, who excels on slow subcontinental pitches, deserves more faith from the selectors.
The Australian legend, known for his aggressive leadership and sharp cricketing acumen, made a strong case for Iyer, emphasizing how his ability to dominate spinners makes him an asset for the Indian middle order.
Shining in the 2023 World Cup
Iyer played a crucial role in India’s journey to the 2023 World Cup final, amassing 530 runs to finish as the tournament’s seventh-highest run-getter. His century in the semi-final against New Zealand was a masterclass in controlled aggression, proving he thrives under pressure. Yet, despite such stellar performances, he finds himself struggling for a stable spot in the playing XI.
A Stellar IPL Move: Punjab Kings’ Big Bet
In the 2025 IPL auction, Punjab Kings broke the bank to acquire Iyer for a whopping Rs 26.75 crore. This move signals the franchise’s belief in his match-winning abilities. Ponting expressed his delight at having Iyer in PBKS, hoping that he will be instrumental in their quest for a maiden IPL title.
Pullquote: “Shreyas Iyer is a proven performer. His ability to play spin and build innings makes him a key player in any format.” – Ricky Ponting
Why Shreyas Iyer Deserves a Permanent Spot
Here are some compelling reasons why Iyer should be a mainstay in India’s white-ball setup:
- Exceptional Middle-Order Stability: He provides consistency in a crucial batting position.
- Spin Mastery: One of the best Indian players of spin, excelling in subcontinental conditions.
- Proven Big-Match Performer: Delivered in high-pressure games, including the World Cup semi-final.
- Versatility: Can adapt to different formats and situations seamlessly.
- Aggressive Yet Composed: Can accelerate when needed while maintaining stability.
What’s Next for Iyer?
With IPL 2025 around the corner, Iyer has a golden chance to prove his worth once again. If he delivers consistent performances for PBKS under Ponting’s guidance, it might just force the Indian selectors to reconsider their stance on him.
For now, Iyer remains a star without a permanent place in the Indian team, but his journey is far from over. If anything, this setback might just fuel his hunger to come back stronger than ever.
