Australian legend Ricky Ponting ignores Sachin Tendulkar; he presents the most talented cricketer he has ever seen

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently shared his thoughts on who he believes is the most naturally talented cricketer he has ever come across. As one of the greatest cricketers, Ponting’s opinion carries weight, given his illustrious career, where he faced and played alongside many cricketing legends. Although he has played against India Sachin TendulkarPonting did not pick the iconic Indian batsman as a naturally talented player in his opinion.

Ricky Ponting’s surprising selection of the most talented cricketer

During an interview with Sky Cricket, Ponting was asked to name a cricketer whose natural ability stood out the most. Without a doubt, Ponting has chosen the cricketer of his era who had the greatest impact on the game not only with the bat but also with the ball, South Africa‘s Jacques Kallis. Ponting also praised his ability as a player, highlighting his ability to excel in many areas of the game. Ponting’s selection emphasized Kallis’ comprehensive role in batting and bowling, making him stand out as a complete player.

“I would say Jacques Kallis is the most talented player I have ever seen because of his whole game,” Ponting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Unique figures return Ponting’s choice

Ponting was quick to point out Kallis’ impressive numbers, praising his consistency across all formats. The South African all-rounder’s 45 Test Centuries, over 13,000 Test runs, and over 300 Test wickets reflect his incomparable contributions to the game. Ponting also emphasized Kallis’ excellence in the field, where he amassed over 300 catches across all formats, showing his versatility and impact on the game. Ponting, now the coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) of Indian Premier League (IPL)expressed disappointment that Kallis is often underestimated despite his impressive record, confirming that the South African deserves to be recognized as one of the greatest cricketers.

“I’m not just talking about a good hitter; I am talking about a talented cricketer. Jacques Kallis has got 44, 45 Test hundreds, almost 300 wickets, maybe more, and he will have an amazing catch record in Test cricket as well,” the commentator turned cricketer added.

“So I think he is one of the youngest players to ever play this game. I mean, I know you’re measured; obviously, he should, but not many people talk about him as one of the all-time greats, and in my eyes, he really is,” Ponting concluded.

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A legacy that stands the test of time

Kallis has had an extraordinary international career spanning 19 years. He played 166 Test matches, 328 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 25 T20 Internationals. Over the course of his career, he has amassed over 13,000 runs in Tests, over 11,500 in ODIs, and a further 666 runs in T20Is. As a bowler, he was equally influential, taking 292 wickets in Tests and 273 in ODIs. In addition, his field has played a part in his legacy, with more than 300 catches in both genres. Ponting’s respect for this cricketer is a testament to the exceptional talent, which has made him one of the greatest players in the game, despite not always getting the credit he deserves.

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