Ricky Ponting has voiced his surprise over Shreyas Iyer’s recent exclusion from the Indian team, especially considering the batter’s proven track record in international cricket. The former Australian captain shared his perspective after Shreyas made a stunning return to the playing XI during the first ODI against England in Nagpur, where his explosive knock of 59 runs off just 36 balls played a pivotal role in India’s four-wicket win, giving them an early 1-0 lead in the series.
Shreyas himself later disclosed that he wasn’t initially in the team’s plans for the match and was only drafted into the XI after Virat Kohli was ruled out due to an injury. This revelation came as a shock to many, including cricket analysts such as Aakash Chopra, who openly questioned why a player of Shreyas' caliber was being sidelined despite his impressive performances. Ponting, speaking to the ICC Review, echoed similar sentiments, stating that Shreyas’ performances during the 2023 ODI World Cup in India should have secured his place in the national side’s middle order. The 30-year-old batter had a stellar tournament, accumulating 530 runs in 11 matches, which included two centuries and three half-centuries. His ability to play spin well and accelerate when needed made him one of India’s most dependable middle-order batters during the marquee event.
Ponting pointed out that injuries have played a significant role in Shreyas’ inconsistent presence in the team. The right-hander had struggled with a persistent back injury, which forced him to miss several crucial series and allowed other players to stake their claim in his absence. However, Ponting emphasized that Shreyas has been in phenomenal form in domestic cricket this season, further strengthening his case for a permanent spot in India’s lineup. He remarked that Shreyas’ performances after the IPL 2024 auction were particularly impressive, proving that the batter had regained his touch and was once again a force to be reckoned with.
Ponting also discussed how Shreyas’ playing style makes him an ideal candidate for India’s campaign in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which will be held in Dubai. He believes that the batter’s ability to adapt to slow, low surfaces and dominate spinners will be crucial in conditions that typically assist turn and variable bounce. Since most teams avoid bowling too much spin to India’s formidable middle order, Ponting noted that whenever Shreyas does get the opportunity, he has the skill set to take full advantage. His footwork, shot selection, and game awareness make him a potent weapon on tricky pitches, and Ponting is confident that he will be a key asset for India in major tournaments going forward.
Another exciting aspect of Shreyas’ cricketing journey is his move to Punjab Kings in the IPL, where he will play under the coaching of none other than Ponting himself. In the recently concluded 2025 mega auction, the franchise made a record-breaking bid of ₹26.75 crore to secure Shreyas’ services, making him one of the most expensive players in IPL history. Ponting expressed his excitement about working closely with Shreyas and noted that his presence in the Punjab Kings squad would bring stability and firepower to their middle order. He also emphasized that Shreyas is a natural leader and that his experience as the former captain of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) would add tremendous value to the team.
As India gears up for the second ODI against England on February 9, all eyes will be on Shreyas Iyer once again. His explosive return in Nagpur has already reignited discussions about his place in the national team, and another solid performance could further cement his position as a mainstay in India’s middle order. With the Champions Trophy and IPL 2025 on the horizon, Shreyas has a golden opportunity to prove his worth and establish himself as one of India’s premier batsmen in white-ball cricket.
