In a lighthearted conversation with Sky Sports, former cricket captains Ricky Ponting and Nasser Hussain revealed their current favourite players, focusing on Indian talent while discussing career highlights, favourite venues, and memorable moments on the field.
The two legends, known for their competitive spirit, brought fans closer to their perspectives on today’s cricketing stars and shared insights into their personal favorites.
When asked about his favourite current players, Ponting had high praise for several Indian players, highlighting the skill and entertainment value they bring to the game.
He mentioned prominent names like Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Rishabh Pant, and Virat Kohli, adding, “You can nearly mention the whole Indian batting lineup.” He went on to emphasize how enjoyable it is to watch these players, each with their unique style and contribution to the sport.
One player who received special attention from Ponting was Sanju Samson, the skipper for Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Samson’s batting technique, particularly in T20 cricket, impressed Ponting, who described him as a “lovely player to watch when he’s up and about.”
Samson’s powerful and stylish approach has garnered him fans globally, with Ponting among his most notable admirers. “Think about Rishabh Pant. I like watching Rishabh Pant play. And you’ve got Virat somewhere in the middle of that,” Ponting said, adding that it’s difficult to pick just one favourite from such a talented lineup.
Meanwhile, Nasser Hussain expressed his admiration for Rohit Sharma. Known for his graceful yet powerful strokes, Rohit has often drawn attention for his effortless batting. Hussain pointed out that batting at the international level is extremely challenging, with most players feeling rushed under pressure, but Rohit stands out for the way he seems to have “so much time to play a shot.”
Hussain specifically praised Rohit’s trademark pull shot, a hallmark of his ability to control fast bowlers with ease. “I just think batting is so hard… but Rohit makes it look so easy,” Hussain remarked, placing Rohit alongside Joe Root as his top pick in world cricket.
The conversation also touched on lighter moments from their careers, including favourite sledging exchanges, regrets, and standout teammates. Both Ponting and Hussain offered a fresh perspective on what makes today’s cricketing landscape so thrilling, with Indian players at the heart of it.
Their admiration for India’s lineup speaks volumes about the depth of talent in Indian cricket, as both legends acknowledged the influence of players like Rohit, Pant, Gill, and Kohli in shaping the future of the sport.
