Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, known for his exceptional cricketing knowledge, has named Jacques Kallis, the legendary South African all-rounder, as the most naturally talented cricketer he has ever seen. Ponting’s choice might come as a surprise to many, given that other names like Virat Kohli, Sachin Tendulkar, and AB de Villiers have often dominated discussions around cricketing greatness. However, Ponting believes that Kallis’ unparalleled all-round abilities make him stand out.
Kallis’ All-Round Excellence
Jacques Kallis is a former South African cricketer widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket.
He was known for his exceptional skills in both batting and bowling. Kallis played for South Africa from 1995 to 2014, accumulating over 10,000 runs in both Test and One-Day Internationals (ODIs), making him one of the few cricketers to achieve such a feat.
Ponting praised Kallis for his all-round game, which includes not only his batting and bowling but also his remarkable fielding abilities.
Kallis scored 44 Test centuries, took over 550 wickets in both Test and ODI formats, and held more than 300 catches in international cricket.
Ponting emphasised that Kallis’ consistency and skill set him apart from other cricketers.
According to Ponting, “Kallis is one of the most underrated players to have ever played the game.”
Kallis represented South Africa in 166 Tests, 328 ODIs, and 25 T20Is, amassing over 25,000 runs across formats while taking more than 500 wickets.
His contribution to the game is widely respected, yet Ponting feels Kallis is somewhat underrated compared to his illustrious contemporaries.
Ponting’s View on Brian Lara
While discussing naturally talented players, Ponting also mentioned West Indian legend Brian Lara, calling him the most naturally gifted batsman.Â
Lara, who holds the record for the highest individual score in Test cricket with 400 runs, left an indelible mark on the game with his elegance and flair.
Ponting noted that Lara’s batting artistry was unmatched, making him the best in terms of raw talent with the bat.
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