Fri Feb 07 22:49:28 UTC 2025: ## Ponting Surprised by Iyer’s Omission from Indian Team Despite World Cup Success
**Nagpur, India** – Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has expressed surprise at Shreyas Iyer’s recent absence from the Indian team, highlighting the batsman’s strong performance in the recent World Cup and domestic season. Iyer’s match-winning 59 runs off 36 balls in the first ODI against England, a victory secured despite initially being slated to sit out the match due to Virat Kohli’s injury, further fueled Ponting’s astonishment.
Ponting, speaking to the ICC Review, praised Iyer’s World Cup 2023 contribution (530 runs in 11 matches, including two centuries and three fifties), believing it solidified his place in the national side. He attributed Iyer’s subsequent exclusion to injuries, but emphasized the batsman’s excellent domestic form since the IPL auction.
“I’ve been a little bit surprised that he’s been out of India’s side,” Ponting stated. “He had a terrific World Cup…I actually felt then that he’d almost cemented that spot.”
Looking ahead, Ponting is confident Iyer will excel in the upcoming Champions Trophy, predicting success on the slower Dubai pitches. He highlighted Iyer’s ability to handle spin bowling, a crucial skill given the potential for slower wickets in the tournament.
Ponting’s positive assessment of Iyer is further strengthened by their upcoming collaboration with the Punjab Kings, where Ponting will coach Iyer following the latter’s record-breaking 26.75 crore rupees purchase in the 2025 mega auction. “If Shreyas is out in the middle, then he’s as good as anyone,” Ponting concluded, expressing his delight at Iyer’s return to the Indian team. The second ODI between India and England is scheduled for Sunday, February 9th.
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