November 9, 2024: Ricky Ponting’s backing of Virat Kohli ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy is a timely reminder of the immense quality Kohli has shown over the years, despite his recent lean patch.
Ponting, a legend of the game himself, was vocal about not underestimating the “greats” of the game like Kohli, stressing that such players have a unique ability to bounce back even when their form appears to be dipping.
Kohli’s form, particularly in the Test format, has been a point of concern recently. Since 2020, his numbers have significantly dipped, and his latest slump in 2024—culminating in a career-low Test average—has raised questions about his future in the longest format. His struggles in recent series against teams like Bangladesh and New Zealand have drawn attention, with a disappointing tally of just 192 runs in 10 innings at home, underlining the tough phase he’s currently going through.
However, as Ponting points out, Kohli’s ability to perform against Australia, especially in Australia, remains exceptional. Kohli has a stellar record on the bouncy, fast pitches Down Under, with 1,352 runs in 13 Tests at an average of 54.08, which includes six centuries. His overall Test record against Australia is equally impressive, with 2,042 runs in 25 matches, an average of 47.48, and eight centuries to his name. These numbers paint a picture of a player who thrives in challenging conditions and relishes the competition against one of the strongest Test teams in the world.
Ponting’s faith in Kohli to come good in the Border-Gavaskar series is rooted in this history. The stakes of the series, not just in terms of individual form but also for India’s qualification for the ICC World Test Championship Final 2025, make this series crucial for Kohli. Ponting noted that the pressure and expectations might actually play in Kohli’s favour, as he’s shown before that when it matters most, he has the ability to turn things around.
The upcoming Border-Gavaskar series, starting on November 22, promises to be one of the most riveting in recent memory, with the contrasting strengths of India’s batting lineup and Australia’s pace attack setting the stage for a fierce contest. The first Test at Perth, with its challenging conditions, will be a litmus test for both teams, and for Kohli in particular, it could be the perfect opportunity to silence the critics and make a statement.
The series will also feature a number of captivating matchups, including the day-night Test at Adelaide and the traditional Boxing Day Test at the MCG. All eyes will certainly be on Kohli, as his performance in this series could be pivotal not just for his personal career trajectory but also for India’s aspirations in the Test arena over the next few years.
