Ricky Ponting expressed surprise upon learning that Virat Kohli has scored only three Test centuries in the past five years. The former Australian captain believes that any batter with such a record shouldn’t be playing as a frontline batter at the highest level.
Kohli’s form is under scrutiny ahead of the five-Test tour of Australia, especially after he managed just 93 runs in six innings during the previous series against New Zealand. Although his last two centuries came in 2023, he went without one from November 2019 until March 2023.
On the latest ICC Review podcast, Ponting admitted it’s concerning if Kohli’s form has dropped significantly but backed the Indian star to find his form against Australia, given his strong record against them.
“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 experienced batter has scored 2,042 runs in 25 Tests against Australia, averaging 47.49 with eight centuries.
“That was a surprise to me”- Ricky Ponting on New Zealand’s series win in India
After New Zealand’s 3-0 sweep of India on home soil, Ponting admitted he never imagined it was possible, especially without Kane Williamson. The 49-year-old further commented:
“That’s a massive result, one I honestly didn’t expect, especially without Kane Williamson. Considering his record in the subcontinent and the leadership role he’s played for the team, it’s even more surprising.”
With this win, New Zealand became the first team to hand India a series whitewash at home in a multi-Test series.
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