Ricky Ponting Credits IPL for India’s Fearless Batting Approach Ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has attributed the rise of fearless Indian batters to their exposure in the Indian Premier League (IPL). As India prepares to face Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Ponting pointed out that India’s newfound aggression and adaptability in overseas Test matches, particularly in Australia, stems from the pressure and high-stakes environment of the IPL. This transformation has not only bolstered India’s batting line-up but has also played a crucial role in their recent dominance on foreign soil.
India’s Overseas Success and Impact of the IPL
In an interview with Sky Sports, Ponting highlighted how Indian players have adapted to the challenges of batting in foreign conditions, especially in places like Australia. Over the last few years, India has stunned cricket fans by securing historic series victories in Australia, including their incredible win at the Gabba, a ground where Australia has rarely lost.
Ponting emphasized that this success is largely due to the IPL, which has groomed young Indian players to thrive under pressure. “They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn’t happen,” said Ponting. “Their batsmen adapt to overseas batting conditions very well. I don’t think they’re as daunted by the Gabba or the Optus Oval, as they maybe once were. Maybe it is a selection thing, or they just don’t fear the big stage anymore.”
Ponting further explained that the intensity of the IPL, which is regarded as one of the most high-pressure tournaments in the cricketing world, has contributed significantly to the fearless nature of Indian batsmen. “For the last 10 years being around the IPL, I’ve noticed that a lot of the young guys [don’t fear the big stage anymore] as the IPL is high-pressure, it is like a World Cup for them. Their batsmen are all very aggressive stroke-making players. They are not scared of failing,” he added.
India’s Recent Dominance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy
India has asserted dominance over Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in recent years, winning back-to-back Test series in Australia. The last time Australia managed to win a bilateral Test series against India was in 2014. Ponting believes that the transformation in India’s batting approach, particularly their fearlessness and adaptability in foreign conditions, has played a pivotal role in their success. “The IPL has exposed Indian players to world-class opposition and tough conditions from an early stage in their careers, and they have clearly benefited from that experience.”
Leadership and Fast Bowling Revolution
Aside from the IPL’s influence on India’s batting, Ponting also praised the remarkable depth of India’s fast-bowling unit. He acknowledged the vital role that former Indian captain Virat Kohli played in strengthening India’s bowling reserves. Under Kohli’s leadership, India underwent a significant transformation, becoming more competitive in Test cricket, especially in overseas conditions.
“Their fast-bowling depth is great. The leadership in the last 6-7 years has been strong, going back to Kohli’s start of captaincy, which played a big role in turning the cricket around. Dravid has continued the same in the recent four years,” Ponting explained. He also highlighted Kohli’s influence on the team’s culture, saying, “The influence of someone like that [Kohli] around a team would be great, and they’ve got star players.”
Ponting’s comments about India’s fast-bowling revolution are well-founded. India’s current pace attack, comprising bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj, has been instrumental in their recent overseas successes, providing them with the firepower needed to win in challenging conditions.
Australia Awaits: India’s Next Challenge
India will head to Australia in November 2024 for a highly anticipated five-match Test series, with Rohit Sharma leading the side for the first time in Australia. Sharma’s leadership will be under the spotlight as he attempts to extend India’s recent dominance in Australia. Under previous captains Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, India managed to secure back-to-back series wins, marking one of the most successful eras for Indian cricket in overseas Tests.
The upcoming series promises to be a thrilling contest, as both teams will be eager to assert their dominance. Australia will look to reclaim the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which has been in India’s possession since their 2014 series win. Meanwhile, India will aim to continue their impressive run of form in Australia, buoyed by their fearless batting lineup and formidable bowling unit.
Conclusion: IPL’s Legacy in Shaping a Fearless Indian Team
Ricky Ponting’s assessment highlights the significant impact the IPL has had on Indian cricket. Not only has the tournament provided a platform for young Indian players to face top-quality international competition, but it has also instilled a fearless attitude among the country’s top batters. This transformation has played a major role in India’s recent successes, particularly in tough overseas conditions like Australia.
With the Border-Gavaskar Trophy just around the corner, India will once again rely on their fearless batters and world-class fast-bowlers to conquer Australian conditions. As Ponting notes, the IPL has prepared them well for such challenges, and the upcoming series promises to be another captivating chapter in India’s cricketing journey.(live score cricket ipl)