Ricky Ponting Analyzes Virat Kohli’s Form Struggles: ‘Trying Too Hard Can Backfire in Batting’

The Australian legend shares insights on Kohli’s recent struggles, mental barriers, and the crucial role he still plays in Team India.

New Delhi, January 8: Former Australian cricket captain and ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting has shared his analysis of Virat Kohli’s dip in Test form following India’s 1-3 series defeat in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against Australia.

Despite beginning the series with an unbeaten century in Perth, Kohli managed only 190 runs across five matches at an average of 23.75, continuing a trend of inconsistent performances in recent red-ball cricket.

‘Trying Too Hard Can Backfire’ – Ponting

Speaking to Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review, Ponting highlighted how Kohli’s intense determination might be working against him, creating mental barriers.

“The challenge is, and I can see it with Virat now, you can see how much he wants it. He’s trying so hard, and sometimes that makes batting harder. The harder you try, the less success you’re likely to have,” Ponting observed.

Ponting compared Kohli’s current struggles with his own experiences towards the end of his career, where he averaged 39.48 in his final five years, a notable drop from his career average of 51.85.

“I started thinking more about not getting out rather than scoring runs. When I played my best, I didn’t think about any of that. I just walked out and thought about scoring runs. But I see Kohli now, where he’s trying not to play at those balls outside off-stump, but there’s some mental block that makes him chase them,” Ponting explained.

Kohli’s Continued Role in Team India

Despite Kohli’s recent challenges, Ponting emphasized the importance of his senior presence in the Indian dressing room, comparing it to his own late career contributions to the Australian team.

“I did play for maybe two years longer than I should have. But I continued to play to help younger players integrate into international cricket. Virat still has immense value as a senior voice and a mentor for emerging talents in the team,” Ponting added.

A Disappointing Test Season for ‘Ro-Ko’

The 2024-25 Test season has been forgettable for both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Rohit managed just 164 runs in eight matches at an average of 10.93, while Kohli fared slightly better with 382 runs in 10 matches at an average of 22.87, including just one century and one fifty.

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Rohit scored only 31 runs in five innings at an average of 6.20, while Kohli struggled with deliveries outside off-stump, falling victim to Scott Boland four times during the series.

Looking Ahead: Champions Trophy 2025

With the Champions Trophy set to make a comeback in February 2025, India will aim to regroup and address their recent shortcomings in Test cricket. The marquee event provides an opportunity for Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma to rediscover their form and contribute to India’s campaign for an ICC title victory.

Ponting’s insights shed light on the mental and technical aspects of Kohli’s batting struggles, emphasizing the need for a refreshed mindset and clarity in approach as India looks ahead to crucial tournaments.