Dropping Pant against Pakistan shows India's quality, says Ponting

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting said he was surprised by India's decision to leave out Rishabh Pant for their Asia Cup opener against Pakistan.

India went with Dinesh Karthik as the keeper-batter for the game which India won by five wickets. The Delhi Capitals head coach also said that it is difficult to leave out Karthik out of T20 games given his terrific form with finishing matches.

"I was really surprised. To be honest, there was some talk about it, once again on social media channels going into the game, which way would they go because I think they needed the sixth bowling option," Ponting said on the 'ICC Review' show.

"I don't think it'll be too long before we see him back into that team. But once again, when you look at the balance that India had though in that side, you know it's hard to leave Karthik out because Dinesh is in career-best form, and by a long way," Ponting said.

Pant was back in the playing XI for India second Group game against Hong Kong as India rested Hardik Pandya for the match.

Ponting felt that India's riches in all departments provides them the luxury to leave a player like Pant and still have a strong team.

"This is where I'll come back again, the Indian selectors have got some big decisions to make, tough decisions to make. When you're leaving someone out of the star quality of Rishabh Pant, you know that you have got a good side," he said.

Ponting was full of praise for Pant's temperament irrespective of the team he plays for.

"He is honestly one of my favourites having worked with him for a long time now at the Delhi Capitals, and obviously being a franchise captain. I have a bit more of a soft spot for him than most, but for all the right reasons as well because I know his character. I know his skillset, I know how much he wants to do well and how much he wants to win games - whether it's for Delhi Capitals or for India," Ponting said.

(With inputs from PTI)