Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting lauded Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s experience for India’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 win. However, he also praised the team’s all-rounders for their crucial role in the tournament.
Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting noted that India’s all-rounders right through the tournament were outstanding. He highlighted the performances of Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, and Hardik Pandya.
Ponting said, “I said at the start of the tournament I thought India would be really hard to beat because of their overall balance and because of that mix of youth and experience. And once again, in a final, the captain stands up and gets the job done for his team.”
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‘They were a very well-balanced side’ – Ricky Ponting
India included three all-rounders in their playing XI for all five matches. This gave them great batting depth and multiple bowling options.
Ponting explained their impact, saying, “They were a very well-balanced side anyway. But because they had so many all-rounders… when you’ve got Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, who they used up the order on a number of occasions for that left-handed option, and with Jadeja there as well, they were a very well-balanced team.”
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He admitted that India seemed a little bit light on fast bowling, however that did not hurt their performance as it turned out that they didn’t need it. Ponting emphasized Hardik Pandya’s role as a key bowler as he bowls with the new ball.
Ricky added, “That’s where Hardik Pandya’s role becomes really important. He can bowl with the new ball and get through some overs early. This makes it easier for the spinners in the backend of the Powerplay and also through the middle overs, where they predominantly bowl.”
Ponting also praised Axar Patel’s contributions. “Axar Patel is the other one that I think needs a lot of credit for this tournament. I think his bowling was as consistent and rock solid as you’d ever see.”
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