Ponting: Rebound/Extinction?

He is considered as one of the finest cricketers in the modern era. He was involved in about 100 Test wins for his side. He has enjoyed many thumping wins, world cup triumphs and a lot more personal landmarks. He was compared with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara. But it all turned upside down in a span of 2 years. Just like a mirage, the test century is eluding him since the last two years; it’s been a 12 inning long stretch without making a half-century. His average which was among all-time greats slid a long way coming down from a monumental 56.68 to a mere 52.72 in just 23 innings. After having played so many innings to drop an average by 4 points in 23 innings suggests something is badly wrong.

He is none other than Ricky Thomas Ponting nicknamed Punter. He has many ardent fans to wait for his revival, but not much time has left for him as he is approaching the tail end of his career.

During his worst slump, Greg Chappell once said he wasn’t batting badly, he was just getting out. Ricky Ponting taken that sentiment to a new level, declaring himself to be batting the best he has in these two years. But unfortunately he doesn’t have much runs from his willow to support that.

You may say, even Rahul Dravid also undergone this phase of their career. But noticeable thing is even when Dravid keeps on failing, Indian team is at its best which is not same in the case of Ponting. Australian Team is in a Period of resurgence and they are not in a position to give ample of time for him to restore his past form.

His Career seemed on the crossroads for this moment. Ponting has drifted well down from mediocre to liability now. Moreover, he's interfering with the grooming of talented youngsters. To make thing worsen, guys like Khwaja sit dumbstruck on the sidelines not knowing what they are doing wrong.

We've got to be sensible about whether the Ponting exit is going to be replaced by someone better and at the same time it should enhance for the team cause.