Rishabh Pant turning x-factor to match-winning knock: Ricky Ponting

Rishabh Pant turning x-factor to match-winning knock: Ricky Ponting

New Delhi: The way Delhi Capitals batsman Rishabh Pant got stuck into Mumbai Indians pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah had everyone take note during their Indian Premier League (IPL) game at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, but DC head coach Ricky Ponting is more impressed by the consistency Pant showed and won Delhi the game.

"I have known for a couple of seasons that Pant has an x-factor. But i like how he is turning that into match-winning performances. We set up a good platform for him to go and finish off the innings. He is something special and you don't see an innings like that everyday. I have seen Pant mature as a person. He will win many more games this season," he said.

While everyone has been talking about the kind of shots that Pant played, Ponting said it was all about having a strong technique irrespective of the format.

"You need to have the basic technique to bat. The present generation is exceptionally skilful. These guys play a lot or T20 cricket. Good to see certain things that you work on in practice to come good on the field," he said.

While Pant attacked from the word go, Shikhar Dhawan was seen playing a composed knock. Ponting said the senior batsman was expected to hold one end up.

"That is what we want from Shikhar. We want him to hold the top order together. It wasn't the easiest wicket to bat on. We wanted Shikhar to hold one end up. That was exactly what we wanted from him," he said.

Ponting was also all praise for pace spearhead Ishant Sharma as the bowler picked two Mumbai wickets inside the powerplay to derail their chase. The coach feels that Ishant is bowling his best at the moment.

"I had a chat with him after the game. His work ethic has been outstanding. I spoke to him on the first day about what i expect from him. He is worked exceptionally hard . He is bowling as well as he has ever done. He set the game for us in the powerplay. A big pat on the back for him," he said.

While there have been talks of youngsters having the World Cup spot at the back of their minds as the IPL is often considered a big platform to impress the selectors, but Ponting said that he has had no such issue to fight in this team. IANS

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