Not correct to ignore a talent like Rishabh Pant for World Cup: Ricky Ponting

The Aussie legend feels India could repent the call of not taking Pant on the team bus

While speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony after receiving a well-deserved man of the match award for his scintillating knock of 84 against Rajasthan, Rishabh Pant frankly admitted that world cup snub did have an impact upon him but focussing on processes helped him regain the elusive form. Now a staunch supporter of the southpaw and Delhi Capitals Head Coach Ricky Ponting has come out in support of the prolific stroke-maker and said that Indian selectors could rue the decision of not selecting him for the World Cup in England.

"I know how disappointed he was to miss out on the World Cup. In my opinion, as well, I think India made the wrong choice there. I think he would have been absolutely devastating in English conditions through those middle over against spinners," he said in a chat to the official broadcasters.

"Would have loved to see what he could have done in the World Cup. As I said at the time he was left out, he's got the potential to play three or four more World Cups if he keeps himself fit and healthy," asserted the 44-year-old.

"Rishabh himself, he is on a different planet. He is an ultra-talented guy. He is a real competitor and a winner. He loves these conditions. Some really good signs there going forward in the tournament," Ponting opined.

Meanwhile, Pant said after the match - "I won't lie that the thought wasn't running through my mind, but I just focus on my process and that's what I was doing." Experts questioning the Delhi lad's finishing skill were made to chew their words as his exquisite display of strokeplay.

Indian squad selected on 15 April did not have a mention of Pant, who instead has been chosen as a reserve option along with Ambati Rayudu. India's first-choice keeper in Test matches, Pant was out of favour as Dinesh Karthik, after not playing a single ODI in the Australia series, beat him in a close finish.

To be fair to the selectors and in particular chairman MSK Prasad, Pant did nothing of note in the last 3 games of the series against Australia when India played him as a specialist keeper batsman.

Monday night he blasted six fours and four sixes including the winning hit over the fence during his 36-ball unbeaten knock as Delhi achieved their target of 192 in 19.2 overs. The 21-year-old also has 2 tons in Test matches in England and Australia but average performances for the national side in coloured clothing had an impact on his WC prospects.