![Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1776950997465_AdamGilchristandRickyPonting.jpg?type=hq)
Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting [Source: AFP]
Few duos in cricket history embody Australia’s golden era quite like Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting, whose relentless dominance and big-match pedigree redefined modern greatness. Apart from winning three ODI World Cups together, the two champion Australian cricketers were also part of their nation’s remarkable Test dominance in the late 90s and for a major part of the 2000s.
Having shared the dressing room across that dominant era, the two have often been seen engaging in light-hearted exchanges off the field over the years. On Thursday, April 23, Gilchrist seemingly stunned the entire cricketing fraternity by equating his former skipper with a Golden Retriever dog.
Gilchrist’s shocking post went viral on social media, with many fans wondering if the legendary wicketkeeper-batter has publicly insulted his ex-teammate. Here, we determine exactly what transpired and the context behind the viral post.
Did Adam Gilchrist call Ricky Ponting a dog?
On Thursday, April 23, Adam Gilchrist made an explosive social media post on his Instagram account. The former wicketkeeper-batter claimed that he unexpectedly “ran into” his old teammate, possibly while taking a stroll in the street.
Also Read- Ricky Ponting Pins The Blame On 3 Players For Australia's Damning Show In T20 World Cup
The teammate, however, was an adorable Golden Retriever named Ricky Ponting. The dog even wore a collar with Ponting’s name, with Gilchrist zooming in on the collar as he posted a series of pictures of the same. In the final slide, however, the former stumper placed Ponting’s smiling face over that of the dog.
In the caption, Adam Gilchrist wrote “Always great when you run into old mates unexpectedly.”
While many fans were initially taken aback by the post, it appears that Adam Gilchrist intended it in a light-hearted, humorous vein rather than as a slight. The playful images and caption suggest it was a tongue-in-cheek nod to his long-standing equation with Ponting, reflecting the easy camaraderie they have often shared over the years.
Adam Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting: A match made in World Cup heaven
Both Gilchrist and Ricky Ponting were crucial members of the champion Australian team that lifted the ICC ODI World Cup thrice in a row between 1999 and 2007. Moreover, Ponting led his national side in the 2003 and 2007 editions of the tournament, and even won the ‘Player of the Match’ award in the 2003 final against India.
Gilchrist, on the other hand, registered fifty-plus scores in each of the three finals, and plundered a historic 149 off 104 balls against Sri Lanka in the 2007 final to immortalize himself in World Cup archives. Together, the two legendary batters, coupled with Glenn McGrath and a few others constituted one of the greatest cricket teams in history.
Ponting continues coaching duties for Punjab Kings
While Adam Gilchrist is seemingly enjoying a relaxed retirement life with occasional commentary gigs, Ricky Ponting is reprising his role as Punjab Kings head coach in the ongoing IPL 2026 season.
After guiding the underachieving franchise to its first IPL final in over a decade last year, his team currently stands as the only unbeaten side at the 2026 event. With five wins in six games, Ponting’s pantheons, ably led by captain Shreyas Iyer, are currently ranked number one on the 10-team standings.
