Ricky Ponting Backs Shubman Gill as World’s Top Batsman

Published on: February 22, 2025

Ricky Ponting Backs Shubman Gill as World’s Top Batsman

India vs Pakistan: A Highly Anticipated Clash

India is set to face Pakistan in a much-awaited encounter on Sunday, February 23. This match, a part of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy, promises to be a thrilling contest between the two cricketing giants. The stakes are high, with both teams eager to assert their dominance on the world stage.

As the rivalry intensifies, India’s top-order batter Shubman Gill has garnered widespread attention, with former Australian captain Ricky Ponting praising his recent performances. Gill’s exceptional form has propelled him to the brink of becoming the No. 1 batsman in the ICC ODI rankings, surpassing Pakistan’s Babar Azam.

Shubman Gill’s Rise to the Top

A Stellar Run of Form

Shubman Gill has been in remarkable touch in international cricket, particularly in the 50-over format. His ability to build innings with composure, combined with aggressive stroke play, has cemented his reputation as one of the most promising young cricketers.

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Gill’s recent innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against Bangladesh on February 20 was another testament to his dominance. He played a match-winning knock of 101* runs, guiding India to victory in their Group A clash. This innings not only helped India secure a crucial win but also marked Gill’s fourth consecutive 50+ score in ODIs. His consistency in accumulating runs has made him one of the most reliable batters in the cricketing world.

Form Leading into the ICC Tournament

Gill’s brilliance wasn’t just limited to the Champions Trophy. Before the tournament, he showcased his prowess at the Narendra Modi Stadium, scoring a magnificent 112 runs against England on February 12. This innings further solidified his status as a batter in prime form, entering the ICC event with confidence and determination.

His ability to dominate world-class bowling attacks, regardless of conditions, has made him an indispensable asset to the Indian team. His fearless approach, particularly in the powerplay overs, allows him to take charge early and set a strong foundation for the middle order.

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Ricky Ponting’s High Praise for Gill

Recognition from a Cricket Legend

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, known for his sharp cricketing insights, has hailed Gill’s achievements and believes he fully deserves the No. 1 ranking in ODI cricket. Speaking on the ICC Review, Ponting said:

“He thoroughly deserves to be the number one ranked batsman in the world at the moment. It’s a great sign for India that he’s got his account underway early in the first game of a Champions Trophy.”

Ponting’s admiration for Gill is rooted in his consistency and ability to deliver under pressure. Over the past few years, Gill has evolved into one of the most dependable ODI batters, displaying remarkable technical finesse and temperament.

Dominance in White-Ball Cricket

While Gill has faced some challenges in replicating his white-ball success in Test cricket, his performances in ODIs have been nothing short of phenomenal. Ponting acknowledged this, stating:

“He’s been a very, very good international player for several years. His white-ball cricket over the last three or four years has been outstanding.”

Ponting further elaborated on why Gill’s batting style is tailor-made for the ODI format, explaining that the one-day game allows him to play his natural attacking shots early in the innings.

“One-day cricket allows him to be aggressive early in the powerplay with the field up. He plays good, natural shots and scores boundaries at will,” Ponting added.

This ability to accelerate from the outset without taking excessive risks has made Gill a crucial player in India’s top order. His technique, combined with his ability to pick gaps and find boundaries, makes him a nightmare for opposition bowlers.

Gill’s Statistical Brilliance

Impressive ODI Numbers

At just 24 years old, Gill has already built an impressive record in ODIs. Currently serving as India’s vice-captain, he has amassed 2,688 runs in 51 matches at a staggering average of 62.51.
His eight centuries in the format highlight his ability to convert starts into big scores, an essential trait for any top-order batter.

His ability to score runs across different conditions has set him apart from many of his contemporaries. Whether it’s the bouncy tracks in Australia, the swinging conditions in England, or the slow turners in the subcontinent, Gill has adapted his game seamlessly to succeed on all surfaces.

Comparing with Other ODI Greats

Gill’s rapid ascent in international cricket draws comparisons with some of the modern-day greats. Players like Virat Kohli and Babar Azam have set benchmarks in ODI cricket, and Gill’s current trajectory suggests he could soon join their ranks. His ODI average of over 62 is among the highest in the world, proving his consistency and hunger for runs.

If he continues at this rate, he could break several long-standing records and establish himself as one of India’s greatest ODI batters.

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India vs Pakistan: A Clash to Watch

The Importance of the February 23 Showdown

The upcoming game between India and Pakistan in the Champions Trophy is not just another group-stage match—it is a high-stakes encounter that carries immense historical significance. Matches between these two teams have always been electrifying, with billions of fans worldwide tuning in to witness the action.

For India, this match presents an opportunity to solidify their position in the tournament, while Pakistan will be eager to bounce back and make a strong statement. The outcome of this match could have significant implications on the tournament standings and determine who advances to the knockout stage.

Gill’s Role in the Big Match

With Shubman Gill in red-hot form, all eyes will be on him as India takes on their arch-rivals at the Dubai International Stadium. Given his ability to rise to the occasion in pressure matches, he will be a key player for India’s success. His knack for playing big innings in crucial games makes him one of the most dangerous batters in the tournament.

Facing a strong Pakistan bowling attack featuring the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah will be a challenge, but Gill’s technique and temperament equip him well to handle the pressure. If he gets going, he could be the match-winner for India once again.

Conclusion

Shubman Gill’s meteoric rise in ODI cricket has been nothing short of extraordinary. With consistent performances and a fearless approach, he has established himself as one of the best in the world. Ricky Ponting’s endorsement further validates his standing in international cricket.

As India prepares for their crucial match against Pakistan, Gill’s form will be a vital factor in determining the team’s success. If he continues his dominance, he could very well lead India to another memorable victory and solidify his place as the world’s No. 1 ODI batsman.