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'Indian Youngsters Aren't Scared': Ponting Attributes India's World Cup Start To IPL Experience

image-lnu4kaouPonting hails Indian youngsters [AP Photo]

Ricky Ponting hailed Indian Premier League (IPL) as a key contributor to India's mighty impressive start at the ICC World Cup 2023, insisting the experience gained by rubbing shoulders with the best players under high-pressure environment has helped the nation's young talent immensely. 

The Aussie legend, who is the head coach of one of the prominent IPL franchises Delhi Capitals (DC), reckons Indian players no longer fizzle out or bog down under the weight of expectation and in-game pressure due to their familiarity with the two-month annual grind of the IPL. 

Ponting emphasized how IPL cricket has toughened up youngsters part of the senior Indian set-up, making them accustomed to playing in front of packed crowds and executing their skills amidst the noise and criticism on the outside. 

Ponting Upholds IPL As Key Contributor To India's Growth

This aspect of the immensely popular IPL and its assistance in Indian cricket's rapid growth was evident in the way the tournament hosts hammered Pakistan in front of a 1.2 lakh capacity crowd present to watch the high-octane league-stage encounter played in Ahmedabad on Saturday (October 14). 

"Indian youngsters aren't scared anymore of big stages, because every IPL game they play, is like a World Cup game. They'll handle the pressure well this time at the home World Cup," Ponting was quoted as saying by the International Cricket Council (ICC).

Ponting went to the extent of suggesting Rohit Sharma & company are primed to regain the World Cup title after flexing their muscles to three consecutive victories and peaking in all facets so far. Rohit's men had earlier dominated Australia and Afghanistan in their first two matches and next take on Bangladesh in Pune on October 19. 

"I said from the start that I think they're going to be the team to beat. They've got a very talented team," Ponting said. "They've got all bases covered with their fast bowling, their spin and their top-order, middle-order batting."

"They're going to be extremely hard to beat. But we'll see how they hold up under extreme pressure as well," he added.

India's next assignment in the World Cup takes place against Bangladesh on Thursday, October 19.