IPL-Ricky Ponting

He is one of very few players at present, who has more than 10, 000 runs in both ODI and Test match in International arena, which can tell the calibre of a player, which we are going to scroll through.

He made his test and ODI debut back in 1995, some fourteen years back, which saw him climb to zenith of ladder, when conferred role of captaining Australia ODI side in year 2002. He has hit 37 test centuries and 26 ODI centuries since his debut, which can showcase his sheer talent of conversion of his starts into big scores, which can derail any opposition

His charisma and calibre, gave enough confidence to Australian Cricket Board, that they gave captaincy role to him in 2002 , overlooking couple of seniors in team like Adam Gilchrist and Shane Warne, at that time. He took the pedigree and domination of Australian team to another level, through his inspiring performance and powerful tactics; he lifted the world cup twice in 2003 as well as 2007.

Under his reign, Australia test domination was quite evident, where at one time; they won 20 out of their 21 test matches. Even though he is not a complete bowler, he is rated as one of the best fielding athlete, game has ever seen. He has a huge reputation for his direct hits availing run – outs, which was his unique speciality.

He has played only 13 T 20 international, with an average of 37. 40 and strike rate of above 130’s and his domestic Twenty 20 experiences only ranges to 18 matches, with modest average of 28. 87

He had his share of ups and downs, when Australia lost Ashes for first time since Allen Border was the captain and also losing home test series to South Africa after many years. He also had dismal record as a captain recently, where they lost their last CB series in home against India and England.

2006 can be termed as a golden era in Pointing’s life, where he was flooded with ICC player of year, ICC test player of year, Wisden cricketer of year and Allan Border Medal.

Last IPL stint of Pointing was nothing short of a debacle, where he only played less than five matches for his franchise Kolkata Knight Riders and did not exceed than 100 runs with a mediocre average.

But Pointing is a player of exemplary pedigree, who can get into any International cricket team on given day and can always considered as one of the few ‘ impact players’ participating in IPL2 and can annihilate bowlers with his batting saga in his day.