Prior to the eagerly anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) 2021–23 Final, Australia legend Ricky Ponting opined that Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara would pose a formidable challenge to the Aussies.
The one-off test is scheduled to begin on June 7 at the Oval in London, and both teams have begun intensive preparations in order to win the coveted scepter. However, according to Ponting, Australia must be wary of Kohli and Pujara in order to surmount the challenge in the final Test.
“Without a doubt, the Australian squad will discuss Virat (Kohli) and Cheteshwar Pujara. They are the pair. Pujara has been a significant thorn in their side in the past and in Australia, and this wicket could be significantly more similar to an Australian pitch. They are aware that they must capture him quickly,” Ponting said on ‘The ICC Review.
“They are also aware that in recent weeks, Virat has likely returned to his absolute best, albeit in T20 cricket.” The sensation he’s receiving right now is that he’s nearly back to his best, which is a dire warning for the Australians going into a one-off match,” he added.
He has a touch of confidence. Ponting says of Gill prior to the WTC Final, “He’s got serious class.”
Notably, Kohli enjoyed a successful IPL 2023 campaign, scoring 639 runs in 14 matches, including six fifties and two centuries. On the other hand, Pujara is well known for rising to the challenges posed by the Australians; he has scored 2033 runs at a superb average of 50.82, including five centuries.
Shubman Gill’s batting performance in the IPL 2023 greatly impressed Ponting, who praised the flamboyant batsman for his “class.” Ponting added that the Australian pace attack will put Gill, who has nearly mastered the “front-foot pull shot,” to the test.
“He appears to be an outstanding young man. He possesses a little bit of attitude as well. He has a touch of confidence. He has considerable elegance. This type of front-foot pull shot that he employs against fast bowlers will likely be required against this Australian attack, concluded Ponting.
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