Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting just lately shared his ideas on who he believes is essentially the most naturally gifted cricketer he has ever encountered. As considered one of cricket’s best batters, Ponting’s opinion carries weight, given his reputational profession, throughout which he confronted and performed alongside many cricketing legends. Regardless of having performed towards India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Ponting didn’t select the long-lasting Indian batter as essentially the most naturally gifted participant in his view.
Ricky Ponting’s shocking selection for essentially the most gifted cricketer
Throughout an interview with Sky Cricket, Ponting was requested to call the cricketer who stood out essentially the most for his or her pure skill. With out hesitation, Ponting picked a cricketer from his period who had a big influence on the sport not solely with the bat but in addition with the ball, South Africa‘s Jacques Kallis. Ponting additionally praised the all-round abilities of this participant, highlighting his skill to excel in a number of areas of the sport. Ponting’s selection emphasised the general contribution of Kallis to each batting and bowling, making him stand out as an entire participant.
“I’ll say Jacques Kallis is essentially the most gifted participant that I’ve ever seen due to his all-round recreation,” Ponting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports activities.
Distinctive stats again Ponting’s selection
Ponting was fast to level out Kallis’ spectacular numbers, praising his consistency throughout all codecs. The South African all-rounder’s 45 Take a look at centuries, over 13,000 Take a look at runs, and greater than 300 Take a look at wickets mirror his unparalleled contributions to the game. Ponting additionally emphasised Kallis’s excellence within the area, the place he collected over 300 catches throughout codecs, showcasing his versatility and influence on the sport. Ponting, now the coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) within the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed disappointment that Kallis is usually underrated regardless of his astonishing document, reaffirming that the South African deserves recognition as considered one of cricket’s best.
“I’m not simply speaking a couple of gifted batsman; I’m speaking a couple of gifted cricketer. Jacques Kallis made 44, 45 Take a look at lots of, in all probability 300 wickets, perhaps greater than that, and he’d have an unbelievable catching document as nicely in Take a look at cricket,” the cricketer-turned commentator added.
“So I feel he’s one of the vital underrated gamers ever that’s performed the sport. I imply, I do know he’s rated; clearly, he needs to be, however not many individuals discuss him as being one of many all-time greats, and in my eyes, he definitely is,” Ponting concluded.
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A legacy that stands the check of time
Kallis had a rare worldwide profession spanning 19 years. He performed in 166 Take a look at matches, 328 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 25 T20 Internationals. Over the course of his profession, he collected greater than 13,000 runs in Assessments, over 11,500 in ODIs, and a further 666 runs in T20Is. As a bowler, he was equally impactful, taking 292 wickets in Assessments and 273 in ODIs. Furthermore, his fielding contributed to his legacy, with over 300 catches throughout each codecs. Ponting’s admiration for this cricketer is a testomony to the distinctive, all-round expertise that made him one of many recreation’s best, regardless of not at all times receiving the popularity he deserved.
