“Kohli Is A Star..”, Says Ricky Ponting On Media Hype About Virat In Australia

November 20, 2024: Ricky Ponting’s comments about Virat Kohli ahead of India’s much-anticipated Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against Australia highlight the deep respect Kohli has earned in Australian cricket circles, despite recent struggles with form.

Ponting’s admiration for Kohli’s passion, leadership, and aggressive style of play underscores why the Indian batter remains a revered figure in Australia—one of cricket’s fiercest and most competitive environments.

Kohli’s impact in Australia, despite a lean patch in recent years, is undeniable. His remarkable Test record on Australian soil—1,352 runs in 25 innings at an average of 54.08 with six centuries—speaks volumes about his adaptability and hunger to perform in challenging conditions. It’s no surprise, then, that Australian fans and media continue to hold him in high regard, with posters and images plastered across the country, reinforcing his star status.

Ponting’s perspective is insightful. He notes that Kohli’s appeal goes beyond his batting ability; it’s his fierce, emotional approach to the game that resonates with Australian fans. The connection Kohli has built with the crowd, especially through his competitive nature and passionate celebrations, mirrors Australia’s values of playing the game with intensity and heart. Ponting also highlights that Kohli’s status is not given lightly—it’s the result of years of excellence, including the historic 2018-19 series where India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.

In addition to Kohli’s individual brilliance, Ponting emphasizes his leadership qualities. Kohli has always been a player who carries the burden of his team, especially when playing abroad and facing hostile crowds. Ponting recalls how Kohli, during the 2018-19 series, took the brunt of the criticism and shielded his younger teammates, a quality that sets great captains apart. The pressure on players like Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah to lead from the front in Australia will be immense, and Ponting believes these senior players will rise to the occasion, much like Kohli has in the past.

The contrast between Kohli’s past performances and his more recent struggles, particularly in the home series against Bangladesh and New Zealand, is stark. Kohli’s numbers since 2020—an average of 31.68 with just two centuries in 34 Tests—suggest a player in the midst of a challenging phase. His recent dip in form, highlighted by a poor home season, led to his slipping out of the top 20 in the ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings for the first time in a decade. However, Kohli’s historical success in Australia—where he has consistently thrived—raises hopes that the upcoming tour could reignite his passion and form. With 11 centuries and 19 fifties in 70 innings across all formats in Australia, he has a proven track record in these conditions.

For Kohli, the Australia tour represents both a challenge and an opportunity to return to his peak. The mental and emotional resilience he has shown throughout his career, especially during difficult periods, will be crucial in overcoming the pressure. His past successes in Australia, especially in the 2018-19 series, provide a strong foundation, and the intense competition between India and Australia will likely fuel his competitive drive.

The series itself promises to be a thrilling contest, with five Tests scheduled at iconic venues like Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney. As India and Australia battle for supremacy, the performances of key players like Kohli, Rohit, and Bumrah will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in determining the outcome. Fans on both sides will be hoping for a high-stakes, high-intensity series, with the presence of Kohli adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already exciting matchup.

As Ponting aptly points out, superstars like Kohli generate admiration and respect worldwide—not just for their ability to score runs but for the way they approach the game. Kohli’s passion, determination, and leadership qualities will make this series an unforgettable spectacle, regardless of the final result.