Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has identified India's opening batsman, Abhishek Sharma, as a potential standout performer at the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Ponting believes that Sharma could emerge as the leading run-scorer and even clinch the coveted Player of the Tournament award.

The ICC Hall of Famer expressed his confidence in the 25-year-old Sharma, highlighting his exceptional talent and potential impact on the Indian team's performance. "He's a star," Ponting stated, emphasizing Sharma's capabilities. Ponting's endorsement carries significant weight, considering his experience as a former World Cup-winning captain and his keen eye for identifying promising talent.

Sharma, currently ranked as the No.1 T20I batter in the world, has demonstrated remarkable form, amassing 1,297 runs in 38 T20Is with an impressive average of over 37 and a striking strike rate of nearly 195. His recent success includes winning the Player of the Tournament award at the 2025 Asia Cup, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and impactful player. In that tournament, Sharma scored 314 runs in seven innings, maintaining an average of 44.85 and an impressive strike rate of 200.

Ponting also believes that Sharma's relative inexperience in major ICC events could be an advantage. "I think it's (lack of experience) a real positive to be honest," Ponting noted. He suggested that Sharma's fresh approach and fearless attitude could catch opponents off guard.

The T20 World Cup 2026, the tenth edition of the tournament, is set to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8. The tournament will feature 20 international teams battling it out across eight venues, with five in India and three in Sri Lanka. The format will mirror that of the 2024 T20 World Cup, with 55 matches scheduled. India, the defending champions, will be without veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from T20Is after their 2024 victory. Suryakumar Yadav will captain the Indian team.

Ponting also reflected on Sharma's early days in the Indian Premier League (IPL), recalling when he coached the player as a 17-year-old at Delhi Capitals. He remembered Sharma making an immediate impact, showcasing his talent and potential from the start.

While Ponting has highlighted Sharma as a potential star, he also acknowledged the importance of experienced players like Steve Smith in the Australian squad. Ponting has backed Glenn Maxwell to rediscover his form at the World Cup, emphasizing the value of experience and adaptability in such a high-pressure tournament. He noted that even if Maxwell's recent form hasn't been ideal, his past performances and ability to perform under pressure make him a valuable asset.