Ponting Stands by Yadav Amid Form Struggles
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian cricket captain, extended his support to India’s out-of-form T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav as the team prepares for the upcoming T20 World Cup starting February 7, 2026. Despite Yadav’s disappointing performance in 2025, where he managed only 218 runs in 19 innings with a strike rate of 123.16, Ponting believes that the Indian batsman should focus on his aggressive playing style.
Ponting remarked, “That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form. He’s been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasn’t been able to find it of late.” He emphasized the importance of trusting oneself, especially in high-pressure situations like the World Cup.
Background: Suryakumar Yadav’s Performance
Yadav, known for his explosive batting, has been a pivotal part of India’s T20 setup. His form took a dip in 2025, leading to concerns as the team gears up for a major tournament. In his earlier contributions, Yadav’s ability to settle in and then unleash his shots made him a formidable player.
“He’s an interesting one because when I’ve seen him play his best, he’s taken six or eight or ten balls to get going and then just lets it all go,” Ponting added, shedding light on Yadav’s natural game. The feedback is crucial as the team strategizes for the key matches ahead.
Comparisons and Invaluable Trust
Ponting’s Insights
Ponting drew comparisons between Yadav and Australian batsman Travis Head, highlighting their fearless approach to the game. He said, “He plays all of his shots and backs himself, and a bit like Travis Head, where it almost looks like they don’t ever fear getting out.” This mantra is central to achieving success in a fast-paced format like T20 cricket.
The former cricketer urged Yadav to shift his mindset, encouraging him to “think about scoring runs, don’t think about getting out. Trust yourself, back yourself. You’re proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format and go and prove it to everybody once again.”
Axar Patel’s Appointment as Vice-Captain
In addition to his comments on Yadav, Ponting also praised India’s decision to appoint Axar Patel as vice-captain. Patel, aged 31, has showcased his versatility as a left-arm off-spinner and a dependable pinch-hitter. Ponting noted, “Patel’s been their go-to man, really hasn’t he? The last few series, he’s been their pinch hitter at different times.”
This appointment reflects the confidence Indian selectors have in Patel’s ability to contribute significantly in critical situations, especially given the nature of the T20 game.
Shubman Gill’s Omission Raises Eyebrows
Ponting’s Surprise at Team Selection
Ponting expressed his astonishment over the selection process, particularly regarding Shubman Gill’s exclusion from the T20 squad. Gill, who has had a rough patch in recent months with only 291 runs in 15 innings, was nevertheless viewed as a strong candidate due to his previous performances.
“Yeah, I couldn’t believe that,” stated Ponting during an interview. He acknowledged Gill’s potential and past brilliance, especially during a recent Test series against England. “I know his recent form hasn’t been great in white-ball cricket.”
Strength of Indian Cricket
Despite his surprise, Ponting emphasized the robust depth of the Indian cricket squad, suggesting that Gill’s absence illustrates how strong the team’s roster is. “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 do have,” he said, underlining the competitive nature of player selection.
For Indian cricket, having such depth can be beneficial when integrating strategies for crucial matches, providing multiple options for batting and bowling lineups.
Key Takeaways for the Upcoming Tournament
As the T20 World Cup approaches, the focus will undoubtedly shift to how players handle the pressure and their strategies during games. Yadav, amid struggles, needs to rediscover his form and take control of his game to lead his team effectively. With Ponting’s confidence and words of encouragement, Yadav has the potential to perform on the big stage once again.
Moreover, having resilient players like Patel and a team with depth creates a formidable environment for India as they prepare for fierce competition in the World Cup. The support from cricket legends like Ponting reinforces that mindset, essential for achieving a strong collective performance.
Conclusion
Ponting’s insights reflect significant considerations for both players and selectors as the T20 World Cup nears. With individual performances under scrutiny, the key mantra shared by Ponting—keeping the focus on scoring rather than fearing failure—will be crucial for players like Yadav to rebound successfully.
As excitement builds for the upcoming tournament, the Indian team’s strategic selections and its players’ ability to handle pressure will be their true test, and fans will be hoping for stellar performances driving India towards success in the World Cup.