Virat Kohli‘s performance in Test cricket has raised Ricky Ponting’s fears ahead of the highly anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024–25. The former captain of India has been under fire for his poor play, particularly in the last two series against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
The analysts have pointed out Kohli’s technical shortcomings against the spinners, as the talismanic batter seemed completely lost against players like Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel in the New Zealand series. In the World Test Championship (WTC), the Asian heavyweights are in a precarious position and would require a tremendous effort in Australia to go to the finals after the Blackcaps thrashed India 3-0. According to Ponting, any other batter who achieves two hundreds in the previous five years will be removed from the national squad.
“I just came across a statistic on Virat that stated that in the last five years, he has only amassed two (three) Test hundreds. As Ponting stated during the most recent episode of ICC Review, “I didn’t think that was right, but if it is, then that is, I mean, that’s a concern.”
As a top-order batsman who has only amassed two Test match hundreds in five years, he continued, “I doubt anyone else would even be playing international cricket.”
This series might be a good moment for him to change it: Ricky Ponting
The 36-year-old is facing Australia in a five-match Test series, and Ponting believes he will perform well. The former mentioned Kohli’s excellent record in Australia and his fondness for guys who play against them. When the first Test begins on November 22 at the Optus Stadium in Perth, Ponting stated that he won’t be shocked to see Kohli score runs.
You never question the game’s greats, as I’ve stated previously regarding Virat. He is without a doubt a terrific player. He really enjoys playing versus Australia. He actually enjoys playing against Australia, as far as I know. As previously said, he has an excellent record in Australia.
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It would be during this series that he may make a comeback. Thus, it wouldn’t surprise me if Virat scored runs in the opening game,” Ponting said.
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