India among top contenders for World Cup, believes Ricky Ponting

World number two India were among the favourites along with England to lift the trophy, but India’s winning spree came to a screeching halt as they were beaten 3-2 by Australia at home, after winning the first two ODIs. Earlier this year, India had defeated Australia and New Zealand in ODI series in the two countries. 

However, Ponting still firmly believes that India are one of the favourites to take the cup home and according to him, a lot will depend on Kohli’s form with the bat in England.

“England, India, Australia and maybe New Zealand. Of course, you never know what Pakistan and West Indies are gonna do! If Virat has a good World Cup, India will win,” Ponting told TOI.

With the IPL scheduled right before the World Cup, the players have a very tight schedule which has sparked a lot of discussion about their workload management. Kohli had put the onus on the players to manage their workload themselves during the league.

Delhi Capitals coach Ponting shared his views on the same saying that the workload issues are more for bowlers than the batsmen. 

”Most teams didn't go near any of the Australian players at the auction for that reason. We might be a little bit lucky, we don't have too many of them...Shikhar, Rabada, Rishabh, Boult. We know about the foreign players but we aren't sure what the Indian players' workload management issues are going to be. We haven't got any Indian bowlers who are part of the World Cup. Workload stuff concerns bowlers more than batsmen. One thing you can't afford is injuries to your main fast bowlers,” the former Aussie skipper explained.

“I haven't come across that. I'm sure if Rishabh Pant at the end of this IPL has a hamstring issue, our fitness guys are probably going to get a tap on the shoulder.”

Young wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was brought in for the final two ODIs against Australia as MS Dhoni was “rested”. Pant did not perform that well with the bat as per expectations and disappointed big time with his glove work.

“I think it's actually a big job for me and the coaches when he comes in, to make him forget what's happened in the last few days. He's probably lucky it happened in the last couple of games. It would have been hard to play all five games under that kind of pressure. Now he's back in a competition where he has dominated in the past. If he can win a couple of games for us then everything will be forgotten. I can't see anyone better than him as a second wicketkeeper in that Indian World Cup squad,” expressed the former batsman.

MS Dhoni has been in great form this year, he started 2018 with three consecutive fifties against Australia and was even awarded the Man of the Series for the same. India clearly missed the 37-year-old in the final two ODIs against Australia, with respect to his keeping, batting and insights as well.

“Frankly speaking, I didn't think he would continue after the 2015 World Cup! Four years ago, it looked as if his international career was over. I didn't think he would make it to the 2019 World Cup. But, probably he is playing as good as he has at any point. The one-day series in Australia, he just iced some of those games, he found himself in situations where he had to finish games and he did it. India will face such situation in the World Cup. That kind of experience is invaluable. So four years ago I thought his career was in decline, but now he has been playing as good as he has ever been,” said Ponting.

There is a lot of talk going on about India’s number four as they have tried out various options but none have made the spot their own. It is one issue which India needs to iron out before the World Cup and Ponting is of the opinion that Shreyas Iyer would have been a good chice but KL Rahul has a chance to fit in that position for the World Cup.

“They tried a few even during the recent Australia series. Rayudu was there, Rishabh, Shankar. They could have also have tried Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player. He has had a great domestic season. I am excited to catch up with him. It's an interesting conundrum; maybe, they can fit in KL Rahul in that spot,” said the ICC Hall of Famer.