T20 World Cup: Ponting Backs Suryakumar

Former Australia great Ricky Ponting has thrown his weight behind out-of-form India skipper Suryakumar Yadav, urging him to trust his natural attacking game ahead of the T20 World Cup starting February 7. Despite a lean run—218 runs in 19 innings in 2025—Ponting said Suryakumar’s fearless approach is what makes him world-class and advised him to focus on scoring, not survival.

Ponting also praised India’s decision to name Axar Patel as vice-captain, calling him a dependable all-rounder who adds flexibility with bat and ball. While surprised by Shubman Gill’s omission from the squad, Ponting said it only underlines India’s incredible depth as the team aims to become the first side to successfully defend a T20 World Cup title.