Punjab Kings’ new head coach Ricky Ponting has picked three uncapped Indian players who could make an impact for his side in the 18th edition of IPL.
“Priyansh Arya, I think is a very special potential opening batsman for us going forward in the tournament. Depending on which way we go with our overseas make-up, he’s very exciting. Suryansh Shedge is also someone who has been very impressive in our training so far,” Ponting said during an event at New PCA stadium in New Chandigarh when asked about players who have impressed in practice so far.
“When I talk about energy and fun, another player that I am impressed with, is Musheer Khan. He’s brought a lot to the group already. He has got an infectious attitude, and around the training ground and around the team so far, he’s been someone that I’ve really enjoyed working with,” the former Australian captain added.
Arya, who impressed with his six-hitting abilities in domestic cricket, was bought for Rs 3.8 crore from a base price of Rs 30 lakh. Arya, who was the top-scorer for Delhi in last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 222 runs at a strike rate of 166.91, grabbed eyeballs in the inaugural Delhi Premier League. Playing for South Delhi Superstarz, Arya slammed 608 runs in 10 innings with a whopping strike rate of 198.69, with two centuries and four fifty-plus total.
Suryansh Shedge had an incredible Syed Mushtaq Ali campaign for Mumbai and was brought in at the base price, as was fellow Mumbaikar Musheer Khan, brother of Indian Test cricketer Sarfaraz.
Ponting also wanted the overseas players to set an example for the youngsters. “I put a lot of the bait on them to ensure that they’re setting the right example. Because a lot of the young domestic Indian players look up to the overseas boys and if the overseas boys aren’t doing the right thing, then it’s easy for the young Indian guys to not do the right thing either. So I empower the overseas guys to be the leaders and lead the way,” he said.
