'He has to Step Up': Ricky Ponting Names India's Trump Card for WTC Final
Mohammed Shami celebrates a wicket against Australia (BCCI)
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes Mohammed Shami holds key to India’s chances in the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.
The speedster has emerged as one of the standout performers for India in the championship cycle, having claimed 41 wickets across 12 Tests. The pace veteran also finished his IPL 2023 run for Gujarat Titans by winning the coveted ‘Purple Cap’ award with 28 wickets to his name.
Ricky Ponting says Australians wary of Shami threat
Ricky Ponting has claimed that Mohammed Shami needs to be at his absolute best to push India’s chances at the WTC final. The former cricketer added that the Australian batters are already aware of Shami’s ability, considering the speedster recently went up against them in a four-match Test series in India earlier this year.
With Jasprit Bumrah out of the side owing to an injury, Shami’s role becomes even more crucial for India’s chances against the famed Australian batting line-up.
While speaking on The ICC Review, Ponting said:
“I think he has to step up or try and take his game to another level if India are going to win this game. When you talk to the Australian batters as well, they understand how good Shami is whether it's new ball or old ball, whether it's in Australia or India. They know the skillset he's got and how dangerous he can be. It’s going to have to be him.”
The WTC final is set to commence on June 7 at The Oval in London. The match serves as a culmination to the two-year championship cycle, where Australia and India emerged as the top two sides on the points table.
 "Aakash Saini")
