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Batting juggernaut Virat Kohli's worrisome form has become the talk of the town ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-2025 which is set to start from November 22. Kohli's batting struggle was on full display in the recently-concluded Test series against New Zealand which left everyone eyebrows. However, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that judging Kohli solely based on his current form is not fair. While acknowledging Kohli's lack of triple-centuries despite his top-order position, Ponting expressed concern over his recent decline.
Ricky Ponting takes a dig at Virat Kohli ahead of Border-Gavaskar Trophy
Since the beginning of this year, Kohli has averaged a mere 22.72 in six Test matches, his lowest yearly average since his debut in 2011. This poor form has led to a significant drop in the ICC Test rankings, with Kohli falling out of the top 20 for the first time in a decade. Ponting shares this concern and believes that Kohli's current phase requires serious attention.
"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," Ponting told ICC.
India's dominant Test record at home was shattered by New Zealand's recent 0-3 whitewash, with Virat Kohli managing a mere 93 runs in six innings. Despite this disappointing performance, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting expressed unwavering confidence in Kohli's ability to bounce back.
"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," former Australia skipper further stated.
Kohli's recent performance against New Zealand was underwhelming, as he managed to score only 93 runs in three matches, including a half-century, averaging a mere 15.50 runs per innings.
Between 2016 and 2019, Kohli consistently averaged over 50 runs per Test. However, his average has since dipped to 31.68. Despite this recent decline, legendary Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting believes that Kohli's competitive spirit will shine through when facing Australia. Ponting is confident that Kohli can make a significant impact in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a five-Test series starting on November 22nd in Perth. India will heavily rely on Kohli's experience and skill to retain the prestigious trophy.
Ponting is optimistic that the Border-Gavaskar series could mark a resurgence in Kohli's Test career.
"He loves playing against Australia. In fact, I know he loves playing against Australia. And 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," Ponting concluded.
