Delhi coach Ricky Ponting has said that India have made a big mistake by not picking Rishabh Pant in their World Cup squad, citing that the youngster would be ‘devastating’ and would provide a great aid during the middle overs against the spinners.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on April 15, announced India’s 15-man squad for the grand tournament, to be held in England and Wales, and Rishabh Pant along with Ambati Rayudu was left out in favour of Dinesh Karthik and Vijay Shankar respectively.
Pundits along with the fans divided opinions, but Pant – on Monday – reminded what India might miss at the World Cup. Up against team Rajasthan and chasing 192 away from home, the 21-year-old smashed a 36-ball 78, including six boundaries and four maximums, and won the game almost single-handedly.
His coach, Ricky Ponting, was left amazed and speaking after the game, the former Australia captain said, “I know how disappointed he was to miss out on the World Cup. In my opinion, as well, I think India made the wrong choice there. I think he would have been absolutely devastating in English conditions through those middle over against spinners,” Ponting said while speaking to the official broadcasters.
"Would have loved to see what he could have done in the World Cup. As I said at the time he was left out, he’s got the potential to play three or four more World Cups if he keeps himself fit and healthy.”
"Someone as explosive as Rishabh likes a bit more pace on the ball. And we saw that tonight. Once he gets those sort of wickets he’s lethal. He got a wicket like that in Mumbai and he hit 70-odd off 20-odd balls,” Ponting added.
