Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has identified Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli as the two players who pose the greatest threat to Australia in the final ICC World Test Championship (WTC Final). Ponting believes their form and past performances against Australia make them key figures in India’s hopes for victory. He also highlighted the importance of opener Shubman Gill and the role Mohammed Shami will play in India’s bowling attack.
Ponting emphasized Pujara’s exceptional record against Australia, with the Indian batsman scoring the most runs and centuries against them compared to any other team. Pujara’s ability to anchor the innings and occupy the crease for long periods can play a vital role in India’s success in the WTC Final. Australia will undoubtedly prioritize dismissing him early, given his past performances.
Ponting said in the ICC review, “The Australian team will talk about Virat, there is no doubt about it, and they will talk about Pujara. They are two such players who should be talked about. Pujara has been a thorn in his side in the past, and Australia and this wicket will potentially be a lot like the Australian pitch. They know that they have to get Pujara out early. They also know that in the last few weeks, Virat is probably back to his absolute best form in T20 cricket.”
While Ponting mentioned skipper Rohit Sharma as a player India needs to impress in the WTC Final, he also highlighted the potential impact of young opener Shubman Gill. Ponting praised Gill’s skills, attitude, and front-foot pull shot, which could prove crucial against Australia’s formidable bowling attack.
Ponting said, “He looks like a tremendous young man. He also has a bit of attitude, and he’s got a little swagger. He has some serious class. The kind of front foot pull shot that he plays against fast bowlers will probably need this shot against this Australian attack.”
‘He Is a Mixture Of MS Dhoni’s Calmness And Kohli’s Aggressiveness’, Aakash Chopra Names The Most Balanced Captain
With injury concerns surrounding Jasprit Bumrah, Ponting emphasized the importance of Mohammed Shami in India’s pace attack. Ponting acknowledged Shami’s reputation as a quality bowler, also recognized by Australian batsmen.
Ponting further stated, “I think if India is going to win this match, Shami will have to move forward or try to take his game to another level. When you talk to the Australian batters, they also understand how good Shami is, whether the new ball or the old one. Be it in Australia or India, and they know how dangerous the skills he has can be.”
