Ricky Ponting picks the top bowler of the tenth edition of IPL

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting revealed that Sunrisers Hyderabad pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been the standout bowler in this edition of the IPL. He has also stated that Bhuvi is an asset to any team in Indian conditions with good pitches and electric outfield.

The World Cup winning captain from 2003 and 2007 has been a key member in the Mumbai Indians camp both as a player and a coach. During his stint as a coach, Mumbai went on to win the title twice in 2013 and 2015. Although Mahela Jayawardena has taken over his role in the Mumbai camp this time, Ricky Ponting has kept a close eye on the proceedings of the tournament from Down Under. Punter recently claimed that he expects a face-off between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indian in the IPL finals.

Bhuvi impressed Ponting 

On being quizzed about the best performers of the tournament in all the facets of the game, Ponting was quick to name fellow Australian David Warner and Bhuvneshwar Kumar as the best batsman and bowler of the tournament. Interestingly, Warner and Bhuvi hold the Orange Cap and Purple cap.

“He takes wickets with the new ball almost every game. The opening bowlers in T20 cricket bowl all the difficult overs as well. They bowl two or three in the Power Play and then someone like Kumar comes back and bowls one or two at the death as well.” claimed the 42-year-old from Tasmania according to cricket.com.au.

“That gives them the chance to take a lot of wickets but his economy rate has been pretty good as well. So he probably has been the standout bowler.It just goes to show how important it is to swing the new ball,” justified the best number 3 batsman from Australia.

Ponting, who also helped the Australian side to clinch the 2006 Champions Trophy, also commented that picking up wickets is not entirely dependent on the pitch.

“It doesn’t matter what part of the world you’re playing, if you can swing the new ball and put it in the right areas, you’re a chance of taking wickets up front,” he explained.

The 42-year-old ended by claiming that for being successful in India, one does not need express bowlers.

“I think you can get away with one express bowler in your side, I don’t think you can have any more than that because balls just fly in all sorts of areas. You’re generally playing on good pitches in India and smallish outfields and fast outfields,” concluded Ponting