The debate over the greatest batter in One Day International (ODI) cricket has been a long-standing one, with legendary names such as Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and a few others dominating discussions. While some believe Tendulkar’s unmatched records make him the ultimate ODI batter, others argue that Ponting’s consistency and match-winning ability put him ahead. With the evolution of the game and the rise of modern-day greats, the debate continues to spark opinions from cricketing legends.

Ricky Ponting picks his choice

Former Australia captain Ponting has now weighed in on the debate, naming Virat Kohli as the best ODI batter he has ever seen. Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting expressed his ??admiration for Kohli’s remarkable consistency and hunger for runs.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better 50-over player than Virat Kohli. Now that he’s gone past me (on the run-scorer’s list) and only two batters are ahead of him, I’m sure he would want to give himself the best chance to be remembered as the all-time leading run-scorer in the game,” Ponting said.

Ponting also highlighted Kohli’s incredible fitness levels and unwavering dedication to the game, emphasizing how his commitment to maintaining peak physical co??ndition has played a crucial role in his longevity and success. The former Australian skipper acknowledged that Kohli’s work ethic, both on and off the field, has been instrumental in sustaining his high standards over the years.

“Physically, he’s probably as fit as he’s ever been and works exceptionally hard on that side of his game. It’s crazy when you think about it, isn’t it? Just how good Virat’s been over such a long period of time, yet he’s still 4,000 runs behind Sachin,” he added.

Despite acknowledging the enormity of Tendulkar’s achievements, Pont??ing believes Kohli should never be ruled out of surpassing the Indian maestro?.

“It just goes to show how good Sachin was, but also his longevity in the game. But with someone like Virat, you never write him off. If the hunger’s still there, then I’m never going to write him off (to overtake Tendulkar),” the Tasmanian remarked.

Also READ: Ricky Ponting reveals the toughest bowlers he faced i?n international cricket

A champion player who always stands up for India

Ponting further praised Kohli’s ability to perform under pressure, particularly in high-stakes encounters. He cited Kohli’s memorable knock in the 2022 T20 Worl??d Cup against Pakista??n as an example of his match-winning abilities.

“In 2022 (T20 World Cup) and now, he stood up against the team that he would probably steel himself the most to play against. When Pakistan had batted first on a tricky wicket, it needed someone at the top of the order to play a match-winning innings like that. Once again, it was Kohli to get the job done. He’s been a champion player for a long, long time. And particularly in the white-ball formats, where he’s been an unbelievably good 50-over player,” Ponting added further.

With Kohli still going strong i??n international cricket, the race to become the all-time leading run-scorer in ODIs remains open. Whether he surpasses Tendulkar or not, Kohli has already left an indelible mark on the game, earning the admiration of cricketing greats like Ponting.

Also READ: Aussie legend Ri??cky Ponting name?s the Greatest Cricketer of All Time

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Jasprit Bumrah‘s injury has dealt a major blow to India’s pace attack ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The star pacer was initially named in India’s 15-man squad but was later ruled out due to a back injury sustained during the Sydney Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.? His absence has created a crucial selection dilemm??????????????????????????a for the team, as India looks to fill the void left by their pace spearhead.

Jasprit Bumrah’s injury and its impact on India’s bowling attack

With Rohit Sharma leading the side, the management must now decide who will step up in Bumrah’s absence to provide the cutting edge required to succeed in a high-stakes tournament. India handed young pacer Harshit Rana his ODI debut in the recent series against England. While he showed glimpses of promise, his performances were inconsistent. He struggled with control while bowling with the new ball, often conceding runs at an expensive rate. Although he improved in his second spells, questions remain about his ability ?to deliver under pressure in crucial matches. His lack of experience in handling high-intensity situations and executing death-over plans effectively could make him a risky choice for India’s campaign.

Ricky Ponting picks between Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana

Speaking on The ICC Review, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting backed left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh as a better option to replace Bumrah in the playing XI. Ponting highlighted Arshdeep’s ability to swing the new ball, execute yorkers, and bowl effectively at the death – qualities that make him a more reliable choice in a 50-over format.

“I would go with the left-armer, and I’d go with Arshdeep (to replace Bumrah),” Ponting stated. “We know how good he’s been in T20 cricket, and if you think about his skill set, he probably provides a similar role to what Bumrah does with the new ball and in the death overs. That’s what India will miss the most,” Ponting said.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin picks his top four teams for ICC Champions Trophy ?2025

Ponting further emphasized th?at while Rana has potential, he lacks the same level of control and variety as Arshdeep, particularly when bowling in the latter stages of an innings. Ponting also highlighted the value of having a left-arm pacer in the playing XI, particularly in major tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

“That’s taking nothing away from Harshit Rana because I think he has a lot of talent and we know what he can do with the new ball, but I don’t think his death-bowling skills are as good as Arshdeep Singh’s. Just having that left-arm variation, someone who can swing the new ball and bring a different angle of attack, is crucial. We know how important left-arm fast bowlers can be, especially in big tournaments when you’re up against top-quality right-hand batters. I would personally lean toward Arshdeep if I were making the decision for India,” Ponting concluded.

Team India’s final selection dilemma

India’s final call on Bumrah’s replacement will rest with head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Rohit. Apart from Arshdeep and Rana, India also has the experienced Mohammed Shami, who was India’s standout bowler in the ODI World Cup 2023. However, Shami is still regaining full rhythm after his recent injury, making his workload management a ??key factor.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya is expected to contribute with the ball in the middle overs, which could influence the team’s decision on how many specialist pacers to include in the XI. The selection debate will ultimately revolve around who can deliver under pressure, especially against top teams like Bangladesh, New Zealand and Pakistan in the group stage. As India prepares for their Champions Trophy opener against Bangladesh, all eyes will be on whether the management opts for the experience and left-arm variety of Arshdeep or sticks with the prom??ise and raw pace of Rana.

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The anticipation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is already soaring, with the tournament set to take place in Pakistan and the UAE. Cricket fans are eager to witness some of the biggest stars in action as top teams battle for the prestigious title. With the return of the Champions Trophy after an eight-year gap, the excitement is at an all-time high. The subcontinental conditions, expected to favor both pacers and spinners at different venues, will make for an intriguing contest between bat a?nd ball.

Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting pick their leading run-getters of Champions Trophy 2025

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri and Australian legend Ricky Ponting have made their predictions for the tournament’s highest run-getter. While speaking on the ICC Review Podcast, Shastri backed India’s young batting sensation Yashasvi Jaiswal to shine in the competition.

“The ball will start turning later; it’s not gonna be easy. I’ll look for the finalist, and looking at form, I’ll go with Yashasvi Jaiswal,” said Shastri, expressing confidence in the young left-hander’s ability to dominate ??in challenging conditions.

Ponting, on the other hand, chose Australia’s star batter Travis Head as his pick for the leading ru?n-scorer. He highlighted Head’s exceptional performances in big matches, including his heroics in the 2023 ODI Wor?ld Cup final.

“Well, Ravi said he likes left-handers, so I’m gonna stick to the left-handers’ theme and I’m gonna go with Travis Head. He’s just been crowned Australia’s Allan Border Medallist, which is Australia’s Cricketer of the Year. Think back to the big games he played lately, think back to the last 50-over World Cup—magnificent there. Another great summer in Australia in the Test series against India in some very tough conditions. He’s just playing the game mentally in a different way than a lot of players right now. These bigger games and bigger tournaments seem to suit him really well. I’ll go with Travis Head,” explained Ponting.

Also READ: Ra??vi S??hastri and Ricky Ponting predict the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

Ponting and Shastri predict the tournament’s top wicket-takers

When it came to predicting the highest wicket-taker of the Champions Trophy 2025, Ponting backed Australian leg-spinner Adam Zampa, citing his effectiveness in limited-overs cricket and his ability to take wicket??s in cruci?al moments.

“I’m gonna go for Adam Zampa. Once again someone who’s gonna go through the final, conditions will spin I think in the back end of this tournament, I think there will be the conditions that help spinners. I think the help Adam Zampa always gets is on the back of Australia’s fast bowlers because the fast bowlers are doing such a great job at one end and when he comes into the attack and batters, they can’t afford just to sit on him so they gotta go after him a liitle bit more knowing they are not getting easy runs from the other end and he picks up lots of wickets. I think he is Australia’s key player in the whole tournament so I’m gonna go with Zampa,” explained Ponting.

Shastri, meanwhile, backed Indian spinner Kuldeep Yadav but also mentioned Australian speedster Mitchell Starc as a dangerous contender.

“I would go with Kuldeep Yadav for India and I’d say Mitchell Starc, don’t rule out Starc because as a fast bowler in those conditions, the ball reverses and he can be lethal. He can do the cleanup job at the end. So I would put Yadav and then If there was a fast bowler, I’d pick Starc,” added Shastri.

Also READ: Ravichandran Ashwin pick??s two strongest contenders to win Champions ??Trophy 2025

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In a bold and unexpected move, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting  shared his choice for the replacement of injured Mitch Marsh in their squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Marsh, a pivotal figure in Australia’s limited-over?s setup, suffered a back injury that ruled him out of the prestigious tournament. Au??stralian selectors have until February 12 to finalize his replacement and submit their official 15-member squad to the ICC.

Ricky Ponting reveals his choice as replacement of Mitchell Marsh

While Australia have yet to announce a replacement for Marsh, Ponting has thrown a wildcard name into the mix. Speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting believed that Mitchell Owen, who dominated the recent Big Bash League (BBL) season, has the potential? to make ??an immediate impact on the international stage.

“I’m not sure which way they’ll go, to be honest. I don’t know if you guys have been watching the BBL, but we’ve had one young kid that’s just emerged out of nowhere, a kid called Mitch Owen, who has opened the batting for the Hobart Hurricanes,” Ponting said.

Owen’s performance in the BBL turned heads as he finished as the leading run-scorer, amassing 452 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 203.60. Additionally, he demonstrated his all-round abilities by picking up three wickets with his medium pace. His remarkable form also earned him a contract with the Paarl Royals in the SA20 2025.

Also READ: Pat Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025; Australian co?ach names two ?captaincy options

Batting and all-round potential

Ponting further emphasized that Owen’s skillset aligns well with Marsh’s role in the Australian ODI setup. Despite his advocacy for Owen, Ponting admitted that the move would be an unconventional choice for the selectors.

“He’s also an all-rounder, probably more suited as a replacement for Marsh. Mitch Marsh has batted in the top three in one-day cricket, mostly in the last couple of years. Mitch Owen has opened the batting in T20 cricket and has also opened for Tasmania in the Marsh Cup this season, which is our domestic 50-over format. Look, honestly, I’d be surprised if it is him, but I think the selectors now know that there is a really high-quality replacement there,” Ponting concluded.

Australia’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign

Australia, the five-time ODI World Cup winners, will kick off their Champions Trophy campaign against England on February 22 at G??addafi Stadium in Lahore. As they prepare for the tournament, the selection of a replacement for Marsh will be a crucial decision. If Australia opts for an experienced campaigner, they might lean towards an established all-rounder. However, if they choose to back youthful exuber??ance and raw talent, Owen could find himself making a surprise international debut on one of cricket’s biggest stages.

With selectors weighing their options, Ponting’s endorsement of Owen has added an intriguing narrative to Australia’s Champions Trophy preparations. Whether the selectors take the risk or opt for a more conventional choice remains to be seen, but Owen’s meteoric rise in domestic cricket certainly makes him a contender worth considering.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri ??and Ricky Ponting predict the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

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Ricky Ponting, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, dominated the game with his aggressive stroke play and impeccable technique. The former Australian captain played a crucial role in his team’s dominance during the late 1990s and 2000s, leading Australia to multiple ICC titles. Across formats, Ponting amassed over 27,000 international runs and cemented his legacy as one of the finest to have ever played the game.

A career filled with battles against legendary bowlers

During his illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Ponting faced some of the most fearsome bowlers in cricket history. From fiery fast bowlers to masterful spinners, the Australian legend encountered relentless challenges against bowlers from all around the world. Whether it was playing on fast and bouncy pitches in Australia or tackling turning tracks in the subcontinent, Ponting’s batting prowess was tested against the best.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting predi??ct the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

Ricky Ponting picks the toughest bowlers he faced

Speaking on the Howie Games Podcast, Ponting revealed the bowlers he found toughest to face in his career. He highlighted the challenge posed by legendary pacers like Wasim Akram, Curtly Ambrose, and Dale Steyn, acknowledging their skill, pace, and ability to trouble batters consistently. When it comes to spinners, Ponting went with the spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble. He also reckoned that Sri Lankan great Muttiah Muralitharan troubled him a lot with his variations.

“Akram, Ambrose, yeah maybe Dale Steyn—fast bowlers. Spinners, you know Harbhajan has got me out more than anybody. Harbhajan, Kumble probably got me out more than anybody else. Murali was incredibly difficult to face, in Australia or in Sri Lanka, because of the variations that he had and the speed that he was able to bowl,” Ponting said.

The former Australian captain also named Mohammad Asif, the Pakistani seamer known for hi?s impeccable control and ability to swing the ball both ways.

“Actually, I tell you who was a very good bowler—Mohammad Asif. He was a very good bowler. Seam, swing bowler, very good, very skillful bowler,” Ponting added.

Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky P?onting names the Greatest Cricketer ?of All Time

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Cricket has witnessed some of the finest players in its rich history, leading to endless debates about the Greatest of All Time (GOAT). Legends like Don Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, Muttiah Muralitharan, and Virat Kohli have all been part of this discussion. While some argue that Bradman’s staggering batting average makes him the GOAT, others believe that Tendulkar’s longevity and record-breaking f?eats place him at the pinnacle. Similarly, all-rounders like Sir ?Garfield Sobers and Kapil Dev have been celebrated for their match-winning abilities.

Ricky Ponting reveals his choice of the GOAT cricketer

Amidst this ongoing debate, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made his choice clear. Speaking on the Howie Games Podcast, Ponting named former South African all-rounder Jacques Kallis as the?? greatest cricketer to have ever played the game.

“Jacques Kallis is the best cricketer who has ever played. I don’t care… I don’t care about everybody else. Jacques Kallis is the full stop for me. 13,000 runs – 44 or 45 Test centuries… and 300 wickets. He has had an amazing career. You can take 300 Test wickets, and you can score 45 Test centuries but to do both feats at the same time is amazing. Jacques has done both,” said Ponting at the Howiegamespod.

Also READ: ?Ravi Shastri and Ricky Ponting predict the finalists of Champions Trophy 2025

Ponting explains why his pick is quite underrated

Despite Kallis�staggering records, Ponting believes that the South African legend remains one of the most underrated cricketers of all ti?me. He attributed this to Kallis�low-profile personality and limited media interactions.

“I think he was a born cricketer… unorthodox in the slips, he wouldn’t drop catches in the slips. Kind of an odd technique. I think he is the most underrated because not much is spoken about him. Maybe because of his personality and his character… yes, he hasn’t done much for the media. So, he is one of those guys who has been a bit forgotten,” added Ponting.

Also READ: Hayley Matthews?? names greatest Man and Woman cricketers of the 21st century

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The debate over the greatest cricketer of this generation has long centered on four modern-day giants – Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Each of these batters has etched their name in cricket history with outstanding records, remarkable consistency, and game-changing performances. While Kohli dominated the previous decade with his aggressive batt?ing and ability to chase down targets, Smith’s unorthodox technique, Root’s resurgence and Williamson’s classical stroke play have added further dimensions to this ongoing discussion.

Recently, the debate reignited after Smith reached the 10,000-run milestone in Test cricket. His feat, achieved during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, cemented his place among cricket’s elite. Smith joined Australian legends Ricky Ponting, Allan Border and Steve Waugh in the prestigious club.

Ricky Ponting’s choice: Best player of the current generation

Smith’s entry into the 10,000 Test runs club came in just 205 innings, making him the fifth-fastest batter to reach the landmark. Only cricketing greats Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, Kumar Sangakkara and Ponting have achieved the feat i?n fewer inn??ings. In the same game, Smith notched up his 35th Test century, adding yet another achievement to his already illustrious career.

Au?stralia’s legendary captain Ricky Ponting weighed in on the debate, offering his perspective on Smith’s place am?ong his contemporaries.

“Is he the best player of his generation? It’s hard to argue against it,” Ponting was ?quoted as saying by the Sydney Morning Herald.

He acknowledged the brilliance of Root and Williamson, highlighting their incredible records and consistency Ponting noted that while Smith, Kohli, Williamson, and Root emerged as the “Fab Four” around the same time, Root’s transformation in the past few years has significantly elevated his standing.

“Joe Root is the other one now, and [Kane] Williamson’s record is outstanding as well. Joe’s last couple of years have elevated him right back up there, I think Five or six years ago, when this big four emerged, with [Virat] Kohli being one of those as well, Joe was probably down near the bottom part of that because he hadn’t made the hundreds the other guys had made, but he’s made 19 hundreds in the past four years,” the former Australian cricketer stated.

However, Ponting admitted tha??t subjectivity plays a huge role in the debate.

“If you asked an Englishman, they’d say Joe Root. If you asked an Aussie, they’d say Steve Smith. If you asked a Kiwi, they’d say Kane Williamson. It’s a tough one, but on the numbers themselves, it’s hard to argue against what Smith has done,” Ponting concluded.

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Can the superstar of cricket reclaim his dominance?

While Smith, Root and Williamson continue amassing records, Kohli’s form has dipped significantly,?? leading to questions about whether he can reclaim his once-dominant status. At 36 years old, the Indian maestro finds himself struggling to match the standards he set?? in the past decade. His once-unparalleled ability to dictate terms in all three formats has waned, and his recent Test performances have been underwhelming compared to his peak years.

From 2016 to 2019, Kohli was the undisputed king of world cricket, scoring runs across formats wit??h an unmatched hunger. However, in the past few years, he has found himself grappling with inconsistency, failing to notch up big scores at the frequency he once did.

Realizing the urgency to reignite his red-ball form, Kohli has returned to domestic cricket after a 13-year absence, opting to play for Delhi in the Ranji Trophy. His presence at Arun Jaitley Stadium for Delhi’s clash against Railways created a massive buzz, with fans flocking in large numbers to witness their icon in action. The crowd erupted in deafening chants of “Kohli, Kohli,” as the Indian superstar took the fi??eld, a?? testament to his undying popularity despite his recent struggles.

Also WATCH: C??rowd erupts in ‘Kohli…Kohli…�chants as Virat Kohli makes his Ranji Trophy return for Delhi at Arun Jaitley Stadium

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The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to begin on January 29, with both mat??ches tak??ing place at the iconic Galle International Stadium.

Following the Test series, the teams will face off in two ODIs in Colombo, serving as preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts on February 19. Ahead of the Test series, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting ??has weighe?d in on Australia’s selection strategy, particularly the crucial choice of openers.

Ricky Ponting’s verdict on Travis Head

Speaking to SENQ Breakfast, Ponting has expressed his reluctance to push Travis Head to the top of Australia’s batting or?der for the Sri Lanka tour. Head has been Australia’s standout performer at No. 5 in recent years, showcasing remarkable consistency. However, his record in Asia doesn’t match his achievements elsewhere; from 10 matches on the continent, he h??as yet to register a Test century.

Head’s underwhelming performances in Asia and the absence of David Warner due to injury previously provided him with an opportunity to open during Australia??’s tour of India in 2023. However, Ponting bel?ieved Head should remain in the middle order.

“There’s been a bit of talk about maybe Travis Head going back to the top of the order over in the subcontinent, as he did on the last Indian tour. But I personally wouldn’t do that. I think Khawaja needs to play because he needs to get back into some sort of rhythm of making Test match runs. His play of spin in the last couple of years has really improved, so I’d leave him there,” Ponting said.

Also READ: No Pat Cummins as Australia unveils T?est squad for the Sri Lanka tour; Cooper Connolly earns maiden call-up

Australian openers for the Sri Lanka Tests

Ponting advocates for giving young opener Sam Konstas with Usman Khawaja a chance in Sri Lanka’s challenging ?conditions, prioritizing long-term development. He believed that introducing young talents like Konstas in foreign conditions is c?rucial for Australia’s future in Test cricket.

“I wouldn’t be moving Konstas either. I think it’s a great opportunity for this Australian team to blood these young blokes, especially on a tour like this to Sri Lanka, which is so different. It’s going to be so foreign to probably anything he’s ever done before in his life,” the 50-year-old added.

The legendary cricketer emphasized that the Sri Lanka tour is an ideal setting for Konstas to refine his skills away from?? the intense scrutiny of Austral??ian media and fans.

“Having come into Test cricket in a whirlwind against India, I think this tour presents Konstas with the perfect opportunity to get away from the buzz, spotlight, and media attention that he has had here in Australia. It’ll be good for him to learn what it’s actually like to be an international cricketer on the road in really tough, challenging foreign conditions,” Ponting concluded.

Also READ: David Warner selects Australia’s opener for the Sri Lanka tour

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