'Yashasvi Jaiswal Turned Into Superstar Overnight': Ricky Ponting
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored century on his Test debut | Source: Twitter
Former Australia captain and legend Ricky Ponting has showered praise on India opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal for his breathtaking performance during his debut Test against West Indies.
Jaiswal's exceptional innings saw him amassing 171 runs off 387 deliveries, including 16 boundaries and a six. Moreover, he etched his name in history as only the third Indian opener to score a century on his debut in Test cricket.
Ricky Ponting, in a conversation with the ICC Review, stated that the young prodigy transformed into a superstar almost overnight following his stellar IPL stint. Notably, Jaiswal also earned a Player of the Match award for his outstanding performance.
Here’s what Ricky Ponting said:
“I mean Jaiswal’s IPL was something special. He almost just flicked a switch and turned into a superstar overnight. Everyone knew that he was a talented youngster, but what I saw in this year's IPL, he's got all sorts of talent.”
Furthermore, Ponting opined that Jaiswal has the capability to evolve into a big match player for India in the longest version of the game and has the potential to excel across all formats, alongside Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“There's a lot of those young Indian guys that I can't wait to see play Test cricket and yet you look at their domestic records as well and you can't help but be impressed. I'm on record saying that I think Gaikwad’s the same as Jaiswal. I think he could be a very serious Test match player or all-format player really in the next couple of years.”
I feel a little bit sorry for Sarfaraz: Ricky Ponting
The legendary Australian batter, who worked with Sarfaraz Khan closely during their stint with Delhi Capitals this year, went on to say that he is surprised the India batter didn't get a Test call-up despite his sensational numbers in domestic cricket.
“The one I do feel a little bit sorry for is Sarfaraz Khan. The fact that he hasn't got a look in a Test squad just yet considering he averages in the high 80s I think in first-class cricket, which is absolutely unheard of, but for some reason, they keep picking these other guys ahead of him.”
Sarfaraz Khan's consistent excellence in red ball cricket at the domestic level has gone unnoticed by the Indian selectors for an extended period. In the last two Ranji Trophy seasons, Sarfaraz has amassed 1,910 runs in just 12 games, averaging 136.42. He scored seven centuries in 18 innings, and also made 11 fifties.
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