Rohit Sharma has received tremendous recognition from Ricky Ponting, the former Australian captain, for his exceptional captaincy skills as well as for flourishing in the ICC tournament. Having watched Rohit in the Mumbai Indians setup as a player and later as a coach, Ponting is sure that Rohit has set his sights on the ODI World Cup.  

While praising Sharma, Ponting also recognized Sharma's past challenges with ICC events. “I was lucky enough to work with Rohit Sharma at Mumbai Indians as a player as well as a coach. He was missing those ICC events only, and now he has ticked that box as well,” Ponting said. This statement follows Sharma’s remarkable achievement in winning a significant ICC tournament and gaining the appreciation of those who doubted his abilities to perform on the biggest stage.  

Ponting asserts with a lot of confidence that Sharma's next primary target will be the ODI World Cup. “I believe he will be eyeing that ODI World Cup,” he added, having full faith that the Indian captain will claim the ODI Worldcup to his ever-growing list of achievements.

Ricky pointing greater than Sachin as a player and captain he said it . Insecure sachin tendulkar didn't praising him now and also 2024 T20 won also . 🙏🏻🙏🏻🫡 https://t.co/pcqbvzMjZV

— 𝙲𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚊𝚗 ᥫ᭡ (@Charan07_) March 13, 2025

Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, India clinched the ODI World Cup title in 2011, and has remained unsuccessful in their attempts to win the title again since then. With the next ODI World Cup coming up, it will be Rohit's experience, leadership, and aggression in the top order that would help India try to get the glory once again.  

Rohit is calm, yet possesses the command of a leader, which is what allowed him to bag multiple IPL titles with the Mumbai Indians. This makes Rohit one of the greatest captains in cricket history with India's built in talent. With an ICC title under him, it will be interesting to see if he helps India flourish in the other formats of the game.  

Confidence in Rohit Sharma by Ricky Ponting goes to show how popular the captain has become lately with respect to his performances in the world stage. Now with India preparing for the next ODI World Cup, the question is, will Rohit make Ponting's words come true? If anything is clear, Rohit Sharma is the player that history shows performs his best under pressure, and taking a guess, the ODI World Cup may be his next jewel.