November 21, 2024: Ricky Ponting’s advice to Virat Kohli and Steve Smith reflects his deep understanding of the pressures and challenges that top-order batsmen face when going through lean patches, especially when their illustrious careers are at a crossroads. His insights are not just a reflection of his own experiences but also an encouragement for Kohli and Smith to trust their instincts and not overcomplicate the process of regaining form.
Ponting cautioned both Kohli and Smith against overexerting themselves in the attempt to rediscover their best form. He shared that in his own career, he struggled when he tried too hard, especially during the latter years, when he focused excessively on fitness and technical tweaks. The more he tried to achieve perfection, the further away he seemed to get from his best. Ponting’s advice was simple: “Forget about all that stuff, focus on watching the ball, and just score runs.” This philosophy of simplifying the approach could be pivotal for both Kohli and Smith, who are under intense scrutiny.
Ponting emphasized that the best way for both Kohli and Smith to rediscover their form is by returning to the basics—watching the ball closely, trusting their technique, and staying calm under pressure. For both, it’s about returning to what made them successful in the first place, without getting bogged down by the external noise or trying to play an idealized version of their game.
For Virat Kohli, who has had an underwhelming run in Test cricket since 2020, this upcoming tour of Australia is particularly significant. Despite his recent struggles, Kohli has an exceptional record in Australia, and Ponting acknowledged that Kohli’s experience and past performances Down Under could help him turn things around. Kohli’s form has been a major talking point, especially given the heavy scrutiny around his lack of centuries in recent years. For a player of his stature, this series could either reinvigorate his legacy or add to the pressure surrounding his future in Test cricket
Steve Smith, who has also been grappling with form, was moved up the order to open the batting for a brief period. However, Ponting feels that Smith’s most productive position has always been number four, where he has thrived throughout his career. He pointed out that Smith’s return to this spot could be a game-changer, as he has scored nearly 6,000 runs at an average of 61.50 in that position. Ponting believes Smith can regain his rhythm, especially now that he’s back in a familiar role.
Ponting remains optimistic about both players’ ability to rediscover their peak form. He pointed out that both Kohli and Smith still have ample time left in their careers to return to their best, just like Joe Root, who reinvented himself after a small dip in form in 2020. Root has since been in sensational form, and Ponting believes both Kohli and Smith possess the talent and determination to bounce back.
For Virat Kohli, this series in Australia is not just another tour. It could define his Test legacy, especially given the challenges he has faced in recent years. Kohli’s remarkable peak from 2016-2019, where he scored over 4,200 runs at an average of nearly 67, is a testament to his batting genius. However, since 2020, his form has declined significantly, particularly in Tests, where he has scored just two centuries in his last 34 matches. His struggles in home conditions against Bangladesh and New Zealand have only added to the pressure.
Despite this, Kohli’s reputation in Australia remains unshaken. The hype around him in the Australian media, with posters and images highlighting his larger-than-life status, shows the respect he commands even in opposition territory. However, the expectations on him will be sky-high, and the outcome of this series could be crucial for his future in Test cricket.
Both players are facing similar challenges. Smith has been out of form since his last Test century in 2021 and is yet to return to the heights he once reached, particularly in the Ashes and the 2019 World Cup. His experiment as an opener hasn’t worked, and Ponting feels that number four is where Smith has always been most comfortable. For Kohli, the challenge is to stop the slide and prove that his golden years were not just a flash in the pan but the result of his true potential.
This series between India and Australia is set to be an exciting contest, especially with the series opener in Perth just around the corner. With the pressure on both Kohli and Smith to deliver, and Australia’s formidable bowling attack, including players like Nathan Lyon and Pat Cummins, it promises to be a make-or-break moment for both of these modern-day greats.
Ponting’s words will likely resonate with both players as they embark on what could be a defining chapter in their careers. His advice to not “try too hard” and to focus on the basics could be just the mental shift Kohli and Smith need to turn their fortunes around.
This summer of cricket will not only be a test of skill but a mental battle for two of the greatest batsmen of the generation. The stakes are high, but with the right mindset and approach, both Kohli and Smith still have plenty of time to rediscover their best and once again light up the cricketing world.
