Australian cricket legend Ricky Ponting has expressed his surprise at Shreyas Iyer’s continued absence from India’s permanent white-ball lineup, given the batter’s exceptional form and his ability to dominate spinners on the slow, subcontinental pitches. Iyer was one of India’s standout performers during their 2023 World Cup campaign, where he scored 530 runs, making him the seventh-highest run-scorer in the tournament. His recent performance—a blistering 36-ball 59 against England in the first ODI at Nagpur—has only reaffirmed his quality in the format.
In domestic cricket, the 30-year-old has continued to excel, amassing two centuries for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season. Ponting, who has closely observed Iyer’s progress, finds it hard to understand why the Mumbai batter hasn’t secured a permanent spot in India’s white-ball team, especially considering his impressive performances on the big stage.
Speaking on ICC Review, Ponting remarked, “I’ve been a little bit surprised that he’s been out of India’s side in the last couple of years. He had a terrific World Cup back in India in 2023, where he played beautifully in the middle order, and I actually felt then that he’d almost cemented that spot and made that his own.” While acknowledging the impact of injuries on Iyer’s availability, Ponting noted that his domestic performances since his return have been nothing short of brilliant.
Ponting further emphasized Iyer’s continued success since the IPL auction period, noting his standout performances in domestic cricket and his pivotal role in guiding Kolkata Knight Riders to their third IPL title in 2022, after missing the 2023 edition due to a back injury.
Ponting is confident that Iyer will be a key player in the upcoming Champions Trophy, set to begin in Pakistan and Dubai on February 19. “He’s got the game that will stand up to the white-ball formats, especially in that part of the world,” Ponting said, referencing the slower, lower wickets in the region. “We know how good a hitter of spin bowling he is, and teams tend not to bowl a lot of spin at India, but at some stage, it’s going to come.”
As the coach of Punjab Kings, Ponting also expressed his delight at Iyer’s inclusion in the franchise for the upcoming IPL season, where they aim for their first-ever title. “If Shreyas is out in the middle, then he’s as good as anyone. So, I’m delighted to see him back in the team,” he added.
Ponting’s endorsement highlights the growing belief in Iyer’s potential as one of India’s most reliable middle-order batsmen. It also raises questions about why his place in the national team has not been solidified, particularly when considering his consistency and ability to perform in crucial situations. With the Champions Trophy and IPL on the horizon, Iyer’s form will likely play a central role in determining India’s fortunes on the global stage.
Ultimately, the continued debate around Shreyas Iyer’s spot in India’s white-ball squad is reflective of the nation’s deep talent pool, where competition for positions is fierce. However, as Ponting rightly pointed out, Iyer’s skills on slower wickets, particularly his prowess against spin bowling, make him an invaluable asset for India—one that should no longer be overlooked.
