The International Masters League (IML) 2025, an eagerly awaited tournament featuring some of the greatest cricketers of all time, is set to commence on February 22 and will run until March 16. The event promises to bring a nostalgic experience for cricket enthusiasts, as retired international stars from India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, Australia, England, and South Africa return to the field to relive their glory days.

With a lineup of legendary cricketers, the league aims to not only entertain but also celebrate the rich history of the sport. The first match of the Internatio?nal Masters League 2025 will witness an exciting clash between India Masters and Sri Lanka Masters at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on February 22. This historic encounter will mark the beginning of a month-long tournament featuring some of cricket’s most decorated names.

Captains’ Day event: Cricketing icons reunite for the grand launch

The excitement surrounding the IML reached new heights during the Captains’ Day event, held at the DY Patil University campus on Wednesday (February 19). The event saw some of the most renowned names in cricket reunite to officially mark the beginning of the inaugural edition. Indian cricket legend and Sachin Tendulkar led the proceedings, alongside Sri Lanka’s Kumar Sangakkara, West Indies’ Brian Lara, England’s World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan, Australia’s Shane Watson and South Africa’s Jonty Rhodes, who represented their official captain, Jacques Kallis.

This gathering of cricketing greats symbolized the spirit of the league—reviving old rivalries, rekindling friendships, ??and bringing back the golden era of cricket. The event allowed the captains to share their thoughts on the upcoming tournament, their expectations, and how they look forward to entertaining fans across the ??globe. The presence of these legends only added to the tournament’s grandeur, making it an unmissable event for cricket lovers.

• Sachin Tendulkar (India Masters) 
• Brian Lara (West Indies Masters) 
• Eoin Morgan (England Masters) 
• Shane Watson (Australia Masters) 
• Kumar Sangakkara (Sri Lanka Masters) 
• Jacques Kallis (South Africa Masters) 

T?hese legendary captains will lead their respective teams through a memorable tournament, showcasing their wealth of experience and leadership abilities.

Key players for each team in International Masters League 2025

The International Masters League 2025 will feature legendary cricketers who have left a lasting impact on the game. Each team consists of former international stars, many of whom were match-winners during their prime. Here’s a look at the key players for each team and their potential impact in the t??ournament.

India Masters

• Yuvraj Singh – The explosive middle-order batter, known for his six-hitting ability, will be a game-changer, especially in the latter stages of an innings.
• Irfan Pathan – A left-arm swing bowler and handy lower-order batter, Pathan’s all-round skills will add balance to the team.
• Ambati Rayudu – A reliable middle-order batter with the ability to anchor an innings and accelerate when needed.

Also READ: Champions Trophy 2025: Yuvraj, Sidhu, ?Inzamam and Afridi make India vs Pakistan pr??ediction

Sri Lanka Masters

• Upul Tharanga – A fluent left-handed opener who can set the tone with his aggressive stroke play.
• Isuru Udana – An effective left-arm seamer who can contribute with both the bat and ball, especially in the death overs.
• Suranga Lakmal – A seasoned pacer who can provide early breakthroughs with the new ball.

Australia Masters

• Shaun Marsh – A technically sound batter who can anchor the innings and play big shots when required.
• Ben Cutting – A powerful finisher with the bat and a handy seam bowler, Cutting is known for his ability to turn matches around.
• Nathan Coulter-Nile – A fast bowler with a knack for picking up wickets at crucial moments, adding depth to the bowling attack.

West Indies Masters

• Chris Gayle – The ‘Universe Boss’ needs no introduction; his six-hitting ability can single-handedly change the course of a match.
• Ravi Rampaul – A skillful right-arm pacer who brings experience and control in the death overs.
• Fidel Edwards – A quick and fiery pacer who can trouble batters with raw pace and bounce.

England Masters

• Ian Bell – A classical batter who can control the innings with his elegant stroke play and adaptability.
• Monty Panesar – A left-arm spinner known for his ability to extract turn and bounce, making him a threat in middle overs.
• Ryan Sidebottom – A left-arm seamer with swing bowling expertise, capable of picking wickets with the new ball.

South Africa Masters

• Hashim Amla – A graceful batter known for his consistency and ability to build big innings.
• Vernon Philander – A swing bowler who can be lethal in helpful conditions, known for his precise line and length.
• Jonty Rhodes – A live wire on the field and a handy middle-order batter, Rhodes’ athleticism will be an asset.

Also READ: JP Duminy pred??icts the finalists of ICC Champions Trophy 2025

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Cricket has witnessed some of the finest players in its long and storied history, with countless debate??s surrounding the title of the greatest cricketer of all time. From iconic batters to legendary all-rounders and match-winning bowlers, several names have been put forward over the years. While statistical achievements often influence such discussions, greatness in cricket is about more than just numbers—it also includes impact, skill, and legacy.

Adam Gilchrist reveals his choice for the GOAT cricketer

Australian legend Adam Gilchrist recently weighed in on the debate, offering a different perspective from his former teammate Ricky Ponting. While Ponting recently hailed South African great Jacques Kallis as the greatest crick?eter of all time, Gilchrist had a different take.

The former wicketkeeper-batter picked the late Shane Warne as his choice, emphasizing that the lege?ndary leg-spinner’s influence on the game ??went beyond pure statistics.

“I understand what Ricky is talking about—the stats, the runs, the wickets, and the catches—but there is more to it than just the stats. I personally think Shane Warne is the greatest player who ever played,” Gilchrist said, as quoted by news.com.au.

Also READ: Aussie legend Ricky Ponting names the Greatest Cricket?er of All Time

The logic behind Gilchrist’s choice

Gilchrist bac??ked his argument by highlighting Warne’s immense cricketing talent and his ability to dominate the game despite the challenges he faced. He pointed out that Warne’s impact was not just limited to his exceptional bowling but extended to his batting, fielding, and cricketing acumen.

“What Warne achieved, especially the way he lived his life and still managed to perform at that level, shows that he was a true champion. Apart from his bowling, he was also an incredible batsman. There were a lot of run outs when he played. I don’t think he knew the extent of his batting talent. When it comes to pure cricket talent—batting, bowling, catching, and tactical talent—for me, Warne is No. 1,” Gilchrist added.

Also READ: Aussie legend Adam Gilchrist names his three greate??st wic??ket-keeper batters

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The International Masters League (IML) 2025 is gearing up to be a spectacular event, spotlighting cricket legends from around the globe. Scheduled to kick off on February 22, 2025, in Navi Mumbai, the league will feature six teams: India, Sri Lanka, West Indies, South Africa, Australia, and England. This tournament? offers a T20 format, allowing these retired stars to reignite their competitive? spirits.

A galaxy of stars returns: Some prominent legends in the tournament

The IML 2025 is more than just a tournament; it’s a reunion of cricket icons. Fans will witness familiar faces leading their respective teams, including Sachin Tendulkar for India, Kumar Sangakkara for Sri Lanka, and Brian Lara for the West Indies. Shane Watson will lead the Australian side, with Jacques Kallis representing South Africa, and Eoin Morgan captaining England. Yuvraj Singh, another of India’s most beloved cricketers, is also set to participate as part of the India Masters team.

Tendulkar has expressed his enthusiasm for the league, emphasizing that the IML will honour cricket’s enduring legacy. He looks forward to competing against his contemporaries in a competitive yet fair environment. Sangakkara echoed this sentiment, viewing the tournament as a tribute to cricket’s timeless appeal and a chance for former players to reconnect with fans and relive old rivalries.

Also READ: Andrea?? Hewitt reveals how Sachin Tendulkar’s valuable advice led to her marriage with Vinod Kambl??i

Tournament format and venues

The IML 2025 will follow a? round-robin format, where each team will play one match against the other five teams. The top four teams will then advance to the semifinals, with the winners battling it out in the final match on March 16 in Raipur. The matches will be held across three venues: Navi Mumbai, Rajkot, and Raipur.

Sachin Tendulkar revisits glory days by hitting the nets

In a major update, cricket legen??d Tendulkar has returned to the nets as he gears up for the upcoming IML 2025. Fans of the sport are thrilled to witness the iconic batters, often regarded as the greatest of all time, reliving his glor??y days with some impressive strokes during practice.

This marks Tendulkar’s much-anticipated return to the cricket field after a long hiatus, as he is set to participate in the IML 2025, scheduled to begin on February 22. During his recent practice session, Tendulkar appeared to be in excellent form, utilizing net bowlers to fine-tune his skills for the competition.

The legendary batter showcased his trademark precision, timing ??the ball perfectly and executing his classic shots, both straight down the ground and towards the square of the wicket. A video of his training session ??has gone viral, capturing the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

Earlier, Mumbai Indians also shared a clip on their social media platforms, high??lighting Sachin’s preparations for the IML 2025, further fuelling ?excitement among fans.

12 Days to go for #IMLT20 📜 🔥

𝗦𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗸𝗮𝗿 is back in action 🐐💙 pic.twitter.com/x3usdyLSmL

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) February 10, 2025

Also READ: BCCI Naman Awards: Here�?�s the full list of winners

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Australian star Steve Smith has reached another major landmark in his Test career. While playing against Sri Lanka in the second Test at Galle, Smith became only the fifth non-wicketkeeper in history to complete 200 cat??ches in Test c??ricket.

The special moment occurred when Smith completed a routine catch of Kusal Mendis off Nathan Lyon’s bowling. The catch came in Sri Lanka’s second innings on the fourth delivery of the 64th over, positioning Smith alongside South African legend Jacques Kallis, who also has 200 catches in his Test career.

While Smith continues to make an impact in Test cricket, the all-time record for most catches by a non-wicketkeeper belongs to India’s Rahul Dravid.

Top 5 non-wicketkeepers with most catches in Test cricket

5) Jacques Kallis (1995-2013)

Kallis is widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in t??he history of cricket. No??t only did he dominate with the bat, scoring over 10,000 runs in Test cricket, but he was also an effective seam bowler with more than 200 wickets. However, what often goes unnoticed is his incredible fielding ability. Kallis was a vital presence in the slip cordon for South Africa, where he displayed excellent anticipation and reflexes. Over a span of 166 matches, he grabbed 200 catches, making him one of the safest hands in Test cricket. His ability to judge the ball early and his calm demeanor in high-pressure situations made him an asset in the field.

4) Steve Smith (2010-Present)

Smith is one of the finest modern-day cricketers, known for his unconventional yet highly effective batting technique. However, apart from his batting heroics, he has also established himself as a brilliant fielder. Whether stationed in the slips, at gully, or even in the outfield, Smith has consistently displayed outstanding reflexes, quick foot movement, and safe hands. His 200th catch in Test cricket, achieved in just 116 matches, is a testament to his sharp fielding skills. Unlike traditional slip fielders, Smith often takes ?catches in different positions, showcasing his versatility. With his career still ongoing, he has the potential to climb further up this list and set new benchmarks.

Also WATCH: Steve Smith plucks a one-handed screamer to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 3 of second Test? �?SL ??vs AUS

3) Mahela Jayawardene (1997-2014)

Sri Lanka’s batting maestro Jayawardene was not only an elegant stroke-maker but also one of the most reliable fielders the game has ever seen. Most of his catches came in the slip region, where he played a crucial role in supporting Sri Lanka’s strong spin attack, particularly Muttiah Muralitharan and Rangana Herath. His sharp reflexes and ability to judge the turn and bounce of the ball made him a trusted catcher in pressure situations. Over 149 Test matches, Jayawardene completed 205 ca??tches, many of which were stunning low-grab takes off spinners. His presence in the field often proved decisive, helping Sri Lanka turn the tide in crucial games.

2) Joe Root (2012-Present)

Root, one of England’s modern-day greats, has proven to be more than just a batting powerhouse. His ability to take crucial catches, especially in the slip cordon, has made him an indispensable asset in the field. Root has shown remarkable consistency as a fielder, taking 207 catches in just 152 Test matches. His safe hands and sharp anticipation make him a trusted figure at first or second slip, particularly when England’s seamers are in action. He has taken some breathtaking catches off James Anderson and Stuart Broad, helping England break crucial partnership?s. Given that Root is still an active player, he is well on course to challenge Dravid’s record for the most catches in Test history.

1) Rahul Dravid (1996-2012)

Known as ‘The Wall’ for his rock-solid batting, Dravid also holds the record for the most catches by a non-wicketkeeper in Test cricket. His calm and composed nature made him an exceptional slip fielder, where he played a pivotal role in India’s success, particularly in assisting legendary bowlers like Anil Kumble, Harbhajan Singh, and Zaheer Khan. His sharp hand-eye coordination and impeccable catching technique allowed him to take 210 catches in 164 Test matches. Whether it was sharp, low catches off spinners or reflex grabs against fast bowlers, Dravid rarely let oppo?rtunities slip away. His presence in the field provided India with a sense of assurance, as he was known for holding onto difficult chances in high-pressure situations.

Also READ: Warne-Muralitha??ran Trophy: Netizens celebrate as Australia thrash Sri Lanka in the second Test to complete series whitewash

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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 feats place him at the pinnacle. Similarly, all-rounders like Sir Garfield Sobers and Kapil Dev have been celebrat?ed 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 time. He att?ributed 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 Mat??thews names greatest Man and Woman cricketers of the 21st century

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On the opening day of the third Test between New Zealand and England at Seddon Park, Hamilton, New Zealand’s star cricketer Tim Southee who is playing? the final Test of his career made hea?dlines with a remarkable batting achievement.

Known primarily for his bowling prowess, Southee demonstrated his batting abilities by securing a unique milestone that etched his name in cricketing history. The bowling all-rounder surpassed the legendary Jacques Kallis to climb into the to?p five players with the ?most sixes in Test cricket.

Tim Southee’s explosive batting

During New Zealand’s first innings, Southee played a short but impactful cameo, smashing 23 runs off just 10 deliveries. His aggressive innings included three towering sixes and a boundary. While his contribution might appe?ar modest on paper, those three sixes propelled Southee into the elite club of Test cricketers with the most sixes in their careers. With a c??areer tally of 98 sixes, Southee overtook South African cricket legend Jacques Kallis, who has 97 sixes to his name.

Southee’s achievement also tied him with the West Indies�?former explosive opener, Chris Gayle, who similarly holds 98 s?ixes in Test cricket. Given that New Zealan?d have still one more innings to play in this Test, fans and analysts anticipate that he will soon surpass Gayle and climb even higher in the rankings. This record underlines that while Southee is renowned for his bowling, his batting abilities should not be underestimated.

Also WATCH: Tim Southee receives guard of honour and standing ovation at? Seddon Park in his farewell Test | ENG vs NZ 2024

Southee’s milestone in Test cricket 

Southee reached this milestone in dramatic fashion during his short but impactful innings. Facing Ben Stokes in the 79th over, he smashed a short ball cleanly over mid-wicket for his 96th six. Two balls later, he struck a flat, powerful shot over deep backward square, registering six number 97. In the next over, Southee danced down the track to a short ball from Gus Atkinson and l?aunched it over deep mid-wicket, bringing his tally to 98 sixes in Test cricket.

His aggressive approach ultimately led to his dismissal, as he attempted another big hit but mistimed it, resulting in a high catch by Brydon Carse off Atkinson’s bowling. Southee’s entertaining knock, though brief, was met with applause from the crowd, acknowledging the milestone he achieved during his stay in the middle.

Also READ: WATCH: Tim Southee receives? guard of honour and standing ovation at Seddon Park in his farewell Test | ENG vs NZ 2024

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Ex-New Zealand all-rounder Colin de Grandhomme has shared his all-time ODI XI, featuring some of the greatest cricketers in the history of the format. In an interview with Cricket.com, De Grandhomme revealed his selection, which surprisingly did not include any players from his home country. The team consisted of four Australians, three Indians, three South Africans, a??nd one Sri Lankan, showcasing a blend of iconic figures known for th?eir brilliance on the field.

Aggressive openers lead the charge

De Grandhomme began his XI with two aggressive and high-profile openers: India’s Virender Sehwag and Australia’s Adam Gilchrist. Sehwag, who scored 8,273 runs in 251 ODIs, was renowned for his fea?rless batting style that dismantled bowling attacks worldwide.

Gilchrist, with 9,619 runs in 287 matches, was a powerful striker of the ball and played a pivotal role in Australia’s dominance in the early 2000s. Both players were known for their attacking gameplay, irrespective of the conditions.

A strong middle-order with legends of the game

In the middle-order, De Grandhomme included South African great Jacques Kallis, followed by Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, Australia’s Damien Martyn, and another South African icon, AB de Villiers. Kallis, with 11,579 runs and 273 wickets in ODIs, was a complete all-rounder known for his match-winning abilities. Tendulkar, the “God of Cricket,” amassed a record 18,426 runs in 463 ODIs, maintaining the highest run tally in the format.

Martyn, a key figure in Australia’s middle-order during the early 2000s, accumulated 5,346 runs in 208 games and was celebrated for his calm presence during crucial matches. De Villiers, famed for his innovative strokeplay and ability to score all around the ground, scored 9,577 runs in 228 ODIs, solidifying his reputation as one of the most versatile batters in the game.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir names his all-time Ind?ia XI, no place for Rohit Sharma & Jasprit?? Bumrah

Notable omission of Virat Kohli

The absence of Indian star Virat Kohli from De Grandhomme’s XI was the most surprising aspect.?? Kohli, who has 13,906 runs in just 295 games at an impressive average of 58.18, is the third-highest run-scorer in ODI history. Furthermore, he holds the record for most centuries in ODIs (50), surpassing even Tendulkar’s 49. Despite these incredible stats, Kohli did not make the cut, raising eyebrows among cricket fans.

The power of Andrew Symonds and a strong bowling line-up

In addition to his formidable middle-order, De Grandhomme added Australia’s Andrew Symonds to his squad. Symonds, known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, scored 5,088 runs and claime?d 133 wickets in 198 ODIs, making him a valuable all-rounder.

For the bowling attack, De Grandhomme selected two fast bowlers and as many spinners. The pace unit included Indian sensation Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 149 wickets in 89 ODIs, and South African legend Dale Steyn, with 196 wickets in 125 matches. Both bow?lers were chosen for their ability to deliver game-changing perfor??mances under pressure.

In the spin department, De Grandhomme picked two of the most iconic names in cricket history: Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralitharan. Warne, who claimed 293 wickets in 194 ODIs, was a master of leg-spin and played a crucial role in Australia’s success during his era. Muralitharan, the all-time leading wicket-taker in ODIs, ended his career with a staggering 534 wickets in 350 matches, setting an unmatchable benchmark for future spinners.

Colin de Grandhomme’s all-time ODI XI

Also READ: Adam Gilchrist reveals his all-time Ashes XI for Australia; names Shane Warne? as captain

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In the illustrious history of Test cricket, a select group of players has distinguished themselves by accumulating an extraor?dinary number of runs. As of October 2024, the top five players with the most ru??ns in Test cricket reflect a blend of legendary figures and contemporary stars, each leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Top 5 players with most runs in Test cricket

5. Joe Root (England)

Former England captain Joe Root is among the top five with 12,664 runs in 146 Tests as of October 2024. The right-handed batter is celebrated for his consistency and resilience at the top of the order. Root’s highest score of 262 against Pakistan in Multan highlights his capability to build innings over long periods and his importance to England’s batting lineup.

Root’s recent performances have solidified his position as one of England’s finest batters, and he continues to climb the ranks as he adds more runs to his tally.

Also READ: Records created by Joe Root during his mammo?th knock in Multan Test against Pakistan

4. Rahul Dravid (India)

Fourth on the list is Rahul Dravid, affectionately known as “The Wall” for his defensive prowess. Dravid scored 13,288 runs in 164 Tests from June 1996 to January 2012. His ability to bat for long periods and knack for playing crucial innings under pressure solidified his reputation as one of the game’s greats.

3. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Jacques Kallis, one of cricket’s greatest all-rounders, occupies the third spot with 13,289 runs in 166 Tests from December 1995 to December 2013. Kallis was known for his solid technique and ability to anchor innings while also contributing with the ball. His dual-threat capability has made him a standout figure in cricket history.

2. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

In second place is former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who scored 13,378 runs in 168 Tests from December 1995 to November 2012. Renowned for hi?s aggressive batting style and exceptional leadership skills, Ponting was instrumental in Australia’s dominance during his playing years. His highest sc??ore of 257 against India at the MCG exemplifies his capacity to perform under pressure.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

Leading the pack is Sachin Tendulkar, who holds the record for the highest runs scored in Test cricket, with an astonishing 15,921 runs across 200 matches. His illustrious career spanned from 1989 to 2013, during which he became the “God of Cricket.” Tendulkar’s remarkable ability to adapt and excel against all types of bowling made him a formidable opponent. He also holds the record for the most centuries in Test matches, with 51 tons.

As these players continue to inspire futur?e generations, their records serve as benchmarks for aspiring cricketers ar??ound the world.

Also READ: Australia legend Ricky Ponting ignores Sachin Tendulkar; rev??eals the most talented cricketer he has ever seen

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Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently shared his thoughts on who he believes is the most naturally talented cricketer he has ever encountered. As one of cricket’s greatest batters, Ponting’s opinion carries weight, given his reputational career, during which he faced and played alongside many cricketing legends. Despite having played against India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Po?nting did not choose the iconic Indian batter as the most naturally talented player in his view.

Ricky Ponting’s surprising choice for the most talented cricketer

During an interview with Sky Cricket, Ponting was asked to name the cricketer who stood out the most for their natural ability. Without hesitation, Ponting picked a cricketer from his era who had a significant impact on the game not only with the bat but also with the ball, South Africa‘s Jacques Kallis. Ponting also praised the all-round skills of this player, highlighting his ability to excel in multiple areas of the game. Ponting’s choice emphasized the overall contribution of Kallis to both batting and bowling, making him stand out as a complete player.

“I’ll say Jacques Kallis is the most talented player that I’ve ever seen because of his all-round game,” Ponting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Exceptional stats back Ponting’s choice

Ponting was quick to point out Kallis�?impressive numbers, praising his consistency across all formats. The South African all-rounder’s 45 Test centuries, over 13,000 Test runs, and more than 300 Test wickets reflect his unparalleled contributions to the sport. Ponting also emphasized Kallis’s excellence in the field, where he accumulated over 300 catches across formats, showcasing his versatility and impact on the game. Ponting, now the coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed disappointment that Kallis is often underrated despite his astonishing record, reaffirming that the South African deserves recognition as one of cricket’s greatest.

“I’m not just talking about a talented batsman; I’m talking about a talented cricketer. Jacques Kallis made 44, 45 Test hundreds, probably 300 wickets, maybe more than that, and he’d have an unbelievable catching record as well in Test cricket,” the cricketer-turned commentator added.

“So I think he’s one of the most underrated players ever that’s played the game. I mean, I know he’s rated; obviously, he should be, but not many people talk about him as being one of the all-time greats, and in my eyes, he certainly is,” Ponting concluded.

Also WATCH: Suresh Raina turns back the clock; bruta?lly destroys Shakib Al Hasan in USA’s National Cricket League

A legacy that stands the test of time

Kallis had an extraordinary international career spanning 19 years. He played in 166 Test matches, 328 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 25 T20 Internationals. Over the course of his career, he accumulated more than 13,000 runs in Tests, over 11,500 in ODIs, and an additional 666 runs in T20Is. As a bowler, he was equally impactful, taking 292 wickets in Tests and 273 in ODIs. Moreover, his fielding contributed to his legacy, with over 300 catches across both formats. Ponting’s admiration for this cricketer is a testament to the exceptional, all-round talent that made him one of the game’s greatest, despite not always receiving the recognition he deserved.

Also READ: IPL 2025: 6 players Rajasthan Royals (RR) can retai?n ahead of mega auction

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