The 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) commenced almost a week ago, but in a World Cup year, the talk around the marquee event slated to be held in October this year in India is inevitable. India can be termed as a hot favorite to win the trophy, but the team is yet to produce a noteworthy performance, with veterans and experts slamming their weak middle order. One of the biggest points of discussion for India will be their No.4 amid the injury concern of Shreyas Iyer.

However, the legendary Australian cricketer, Ricky Ponting has come in support of an out-of-form India star for the big role, comparing him with the late great Andrew Symonds. India’s top three is set with captain Rohit Sharma set to open alongside young and talented Shubman Gill followed by Virat Kohli at No.3.

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India also has no concern over the possible place of all-rounder Hardik Pandya and wicket-keeper batter KL Rahul in the line-up. But the no-4 position has become a topic of discussion again. 

In the recently-concluded home series against Australia, where India lost 1-2, Suryakumar Yadav witnessed three straight golden ducks and it has further hurt his ODI career numbers, reducing his average to 12.28 since his last fifty in February 2022.

Speaking on The ICC Review, Ricky Ponting showered backed Suryakumar for a place in India’s World Cup squad as he said, “Everyone in their career goes through something like that. I mean, I’m not sure I have seen it before where someone’s got three first-ball ducks in a row in an entire series. But look, we’ve all been there. You have your ups and downs as an international player. His previous 12 or 18 months have been absolutely outstanding.”

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He further stated, “I feel they should stick with him because he’s the sort of player that can win you a World Cup. He might be a little bit inconsistent but he’s the sort of guy that in big moments can win you games. A bit like the late great Andrew Symonds did for Australia. So that’s definitely the way that I’d look at it for India. I wouldn’t be playing safe. I’d be going with match-winning players and I think he’s a match-winner.”