Ricky Ponting criticizes selectors for continued exclusion of Sarfaraz Khan in Tests
Ponting went on to say that India have so many young talents and he is very much excited to watch them play red-ball cricket.
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Team India began the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle with a remarkable victory over the West Indies at Dominica's Windsor Park. On the third day, thanks to the efforts of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Ravichandran Ashwin, the visitors outscored the hosts by an innings and 141 runs.
Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, lauded Jaiswal's batting performance in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) during the first Test. Notably, the 21-year-old scored 171 runs in his first Test, the third-highest maiden score by an Indian player. The youngster was also dubbed the game's most valuable player for his sensational debut in the longest format of cricket.
"I mean Jaiswal's IPL performance was exceptional. He nearly became a superstar overnight by simply flipping a switch. Ponting stated in ICC Review, "Everyone knew he was a talented youngster, but what I saw in this year's IPL proved that he possesses a wide range of skills."
Ponting continued by stating that India possesses an abundance of young talent and that he is very thrilled to see them play red-ball cricket for the national team. He then drew parallels between Jaiswal and Ruturaj Gaikwad, stating that the cricketer from Maharashtra is capable of being a'very serious' all-format player.
"I can't wait to see a number of those talented Indians play Test cricket, and when you consider their domestic records, you can't help but be impressed. I have stated on record that I believe Gaikwad is identical to Jaiswal. He added, "I believe he could become a serious Test match or all-format player within the next couple of years."
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Sarfaraz Khan is the individual for whom I feel some pity: Ponting
Many have criticized the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the selectors for omitting young batsman Sarfaraz Khan from the team. Ponting also criticized the selectors for not selecting Sarfaraz despite his impressive first-class statistics.
"Sarfaraz Khan is the individual for whom I feel some pity. The reality that he hasn't even been considered for a Test squad despite averaging in the high 80s in first-class cricket is unfathomable," the 48-year-old said.
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