Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting recently shared his thoughts on who he believes is the most naturally talented cricketer he has ever encountered. As one of cricket’s greatest batters, Ponting’s opinion carries weight, given his reputational career, during which he faced and played alongside many cricketing legends. Despite having played against India’s Sachin Tendulkar, Ponting did not choose the iconic Indian batter as the most naturally talented player in his view.

Ricky Ponting’s surprising choice for the most talented cricketer

During an interview with Sky Cricket, Ponting was asked to name the cricketer who stood out the most for their natural ability. Without hesitation, Ponting picked a cricketer from his era who had a significant impact on the game not only with the bat but also with the ball, South Africa‘s Jacques Kallis. Ponting also praised the all-round skills of this player, highlighting his ability to excel in multiple areas of the game. Ponting’s choice emphasized the overall contribution of Kallis to both batting and bowling, making him stand out as a complete player.

“I’ll say Jacques Kallis is the most talented player that I’ve ever seen because of his all-round game,” Ponting was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

Exceptional stats back 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 more than 300 Test wickets reflect his unparalleled contributions to the sport. Ponting also emphasized Kallis’s excellence in the field, where he accumulated over 300 catches across formats, showcasing his versatility and impact on the game. Ponting, now the coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), expressed disappointment that Kallis is often underrated despite his astonishing record, reaffirming that the South African deserves recognition as one of cricket’s greatest.

“I’m not just talking about a talented batsman; I’m talking about a talented cricketer. Jacques Kallis made 44, 45 Test hundreds, probably 300 wickets, maybe more than that, and he’d have an unbelievable catching record as well in Test cricket,” the cricketer-turned commentator added.

“So I think he’s one of the most underrated players ever that’s played the game. I mean, I know he’s rated; obviously, he should be, but not many people talk about him as being one of the all-time greats, and in my eyes, he certainly is,” Ponting concluded.

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A legacy that stands the test of time

Kallis had an extraordinary international career spanning 19 years. He played in 166 Test matches, 328 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 25 T20 Internationals. Over the course of his career, he accumulated more than 13,000 runs in Tests, over 11,500 in ODIs, and an additional 666 runs in T20Is. As a bowler, he was equally impactful, taking 292 wickets in Tests and 273 in ODIs. Moreover, his fielding contributed to his legacy, with over 300 catches across both formats. Ponting’s admiration for this cricketer is a testament to the exceptional, all-round talent that made him one of the game’s greatest, despite not always receiving the recognition he deserved.

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