"There wouldn't be anyone else probably even playing international cricket" - Ricky Ponting on Virat Kohli's dipping returns ahead of BGT 2024/25
Ricky Ponting acknowledged that he's surprised to learn that Virat Kohli has scored only three Test centuries in the last five years. The former Australian captain reckons any batter with such a stat shouldn't be playing at the highest level as a frontline batter.
Kohli's form remains a concern ahead of the five-Test tour of Australia as he registered only 93 runs in six innings in the previous series against New Zealand. While the 35-year-old's last two centuries came last year, he went without one from November 2019 until March 2023.
On the latest episode of the ICC Review, Ponting said it's a point of concern if Kohli's returns have dipped significantly. However, the Tasmanian backed the Indian legend to rediscover his mojo against Australia since he loves playing against them and said:
"I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he's only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn't seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that's a concern. There wouldn't be anyone else probably even playing international cricket as a top-order batsman that's only scored two Test match hundreds in five years. I've said it before about Virat, you don't ever question the greats of the game.
"There's no doubt, he's a great of the game. He loves playing against Australia. In fact, I know he loves playing against Australia. And as I said, his record (in Australia) is very good. If there's a time for him to turn it around, it'd be this series. So I wouldn't be surprised to see Virat make runs in the first game."
The veteran batter has accumulated 2,042 runs in 25 Tests against Australia, averaging 47.49 with eight tons.
"One that I wasn't expecting" - Ricky Ponting on New Zealand winning series in India
With New Zealand inflicting a 3-0 sweep on Team India in their backyard, Ponting said he thought it was nowhere near possible, especially without Kane Williamson. The 49-year-old added:
"That's a huge result. One that I wasn't expecting, to be honest, more so, when you look at it with Kane Williamson not being there. When you think about his (Williamson’s) record in the subcontinent, the sort of the rock and the leader that he's been for that team."
In the process, New Zealand also became the first side to consign India to a series whitewash at home, involving three or more Tests.