TOP STORIES
Ricky Ponting questions Shreyas Iyer’s long absence from Indian team

Shreyas Iyer made an impressive return to India’s ODI team with a crucial knock of 59 runs in the opening match of their three-match series against England, leading his side to a four-wicket victory. Iyer, who has been away from the national team for a long period, marked his comeback with a performance that demonstrated his batting skills.
While Iyer’s return was undoubtedly a highlight, it did raise some questions, notably from former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting who questioned Iyer’s long absence from the team. Iyer last featured for India at the ODI World Cup 2023 where he was one of the standout performers. At the ODI World Cup, Iyer plundered 530 runs, emerging as the seventh highest run-scorer in the mega event.
"I've been a little bit surprised that he's been out of India's side the last couple of years," Ponting said on the ICC Review.
"He had a terrific World Cup back in India where he played beautifully in the middle-order and I actually felt then that he'd almost cemented that spot and made that his own."
”Then he had those couple of injuries, obviously injured his back and went out of the side, but his domestic season this year has been brilliant."
"It sort of coincided with what he's done since around (IPL) auction time going forward in domestic cricket, he has been pretty much outstanding."
Ricky Ponting, the newly appointed head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL, will be working with Shreyas Iyer, who is the skipper of Punjab Kings.
Tags
More News

“I didn’t get the recognition”: Shreyas Iyer's massive IPL statement
India’s talented batter Shreyas Iyer endured a tumultuous 2024, facing many setbacks. Losing his central contract with BCCI marked a harsh blow to his career. Despite the setback, Iyer turned the disappointment of the contract loss into motivation, leading Kolkata Knight Riders to an exciting title victory in the IPL 2024. However, in the aftermath of his...

Bangladesh veteran Mahmudullah calls time on international career
Bangladesh cricketer Mahmudullah has called time on his international career. On Wednesday, Mahmudullah made the announcement through his social media handle.
“I have decided to retire from international cricket. I would like to thank all of my teammates, coaches & specially my fans who have always supported me. A big thank you to my parents, my in law...

WPL 2025: Everything on the line in bid for final as Gujarat Giants take on Mumbai Indians
As the ongoing Women’s Premier League nears its climax, Gujarat Giants Women and Mumbai Indians Women are gearing up for a crucial face-off in the Eliminator on Thursday at Brabourne Stadium, which promises to be a nail-biting encounter with everything on the line. The winner of this clash will have the opportunity to progress to the final, where ...

“They still feel the energy”: Australian legend praises Indian stalwarts Rohit, Kohli
Considering their recent performances at the Champions Trophy 2025, former Australian cricketer Shane Watson has backed Indian veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to continue leading India's batting attack in the ODI and Test formats of the game. Both legends were very impressive in the tournament (champions trophy), reco...

Ponting touches upon Rohit’s decision not to retire from ODIs
Team India, unbeaten throughout the tournament, cliched the Champions Trophy title after beating New Zealand in the final on Sunday. This was India’s second ICC title in two years following the T20 World Cup win in Bridgetown in 2024. It all has come under the leadership of stalwart Rohit Sharma. Rohit Sharma assumed India’s ca...