Australian batting legend Ricky Ponting has expressed his surprise over Rishabh Pant’s omission from India’s playing XI in their Asia Cup opener against Pakistan last Sunday (August 28).

However, Ponting also acknowledged that Pant’s absence shows the quality the team possesses heading into the T20 World Cup 2022, slated to be held in Australia later this year.

The Indian team management gave a nod ahead to veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik against Pakistan, while Pant returned for the game against Hong Kong after the management decided to rest all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Wednesday (August 31).

See Also: 'Hope it is not long-term'- Gambhir surprised at India choosing Karthik over Pant

"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.

Ricky Ponting has seen Rishabh Pant’s progress from the close quarters at Delhi Capitals. While Ponting is the head coach of DC, Pant leads the franchise in the IPL.

"He (Pant) 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," said Ponting.

He, however, admitted that it's not easy for the Indian team management to decide the best XI, given Karthik's exploits ever since the start of the IPL 2022.

"I don't think it'll be too long before we see him (Pant) back into that team (which he did against Hong Kong). 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.

"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."