Five overseas stars who improved their image in India with IPL

#2 Ricky Ponting

Ricky Ponting

Almost every Indian fan would remember Ricky Ponting for his blitzkrieg in the 2003 World Cup final wherein he racked up 140 in just 121 balls. It was the worst heartbreak for every millennial Indian fan, and Ponting was the quintessential villain of the tale. How could one possibly forget the rumor, 'Ponting had a spring in his bat' that popped up shortly after India's meek surrender.

Ponting then steadily rose in stature to being an Australian legend. But in India, his image remained grey. His arrogant banter and sly sledging never went well with the Indian fans and the hatred would have reached the peak in the India's tour of Australia in 2007/08.

Ponting did not have a long IPL career as a player. He played just 9 innings in which he scored just 91 runs and was a pale shadow of his imposing self. But his later association with Mumbai Indians as their batting coach and the team's dominance that followed unveiled his class and cricketing acumen to even those marginal followers of the game.

Slowly, his image of being a brash demolisher changed into an astute tactician. Now plying the trade with Delhi Capitals, Ponting is a respected figure among local fans, something he could never have dreamed of after his repeated trysts with the Indian team.