“There wouldn’t be anyone else probably even playing international cricket” – Ricky Ponting on Virat Kohli’s dipping returns ahead of BGT 2024/25

Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting shared his surprise that Virat Kohli has scored only two Test centuries in the last five years. Kohli hasn’t been at his best in recent past and he also failed to deliver against Bangladesh and New Zealand in the home Test series.

Virat Kohli could only score 93 runs in three Test matches at an average of 15.50 against New Zealand. Furthermore, Kohli scored 99 runs in the Bangladesh series at an average of 33 and thus his form is a cause of concern ahead of the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia.

However, Kohli has scored 2042 runs in 25 Test matches against Australia at an average of 47.48, including eight centuries. Kohli has even better numbers while playing in Australia as he has scored 1352 runs in 13 Test matches at an impressive average of 54.08, including six centuries.

Ricky Ponting said on ICC review, “I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he’s only scored two 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.”

On the other hand, India was clean swept by New Zealand and Ponting admitted he was not expecting this result as Kane Williamson was missing.

“That’s a huge result. One that I wasn’t expecting, to be honest, more so, when you look at it with Kane Williamson not being there. When you think about his (Williamson’s) record in the subcontinent, the sort of the rock and the leader that he’s been for that team.”

The opening Test match between India and Australia will be played at Perth from November 22 onwards.