Australian legend Ricky Ponting believes that Virat Kohli is the 'absolute best' batter in the world because of his overall record and he did not need to equal legendary Sachin Tendulkar's 49 ODI centuries to prove himself.
This comes after Kohli hit a brilliant 101* against South Africa on his 35th birthday at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 5. The century only improved Kohli's case as one of the greatest cricketers in recent times.
"There is no doubt he is the absolute best and I have said that for a long time,” Ponting opined on the ICC website. "He didn’t need to equal Sachin's record, he doesn’t need to break the record. If you look at his overall batting record it is incredible," he added.
This is the former India skipper's second ton of the tournament and fourth in 50-over World Cups. He he now scored 543 runs at this edition of the World Cup at an imposing average of 108.60.
To prove his point, Ponting pointed out that he took 175 innings less to reach this milestone, while also predicting that fans can expect a lot more from the star batter in the remainder of the tournament. "To think that he (Kohli) got 49 ODI hundreds and equalled Sachin and in 175 fewer innings is unbelievable.” That (49th ton) might be a bit of a monkey off his back. I think he has been working extra hard to equal Sachin’s record.
"That’s done now and it has happened at a really good time at the tournament for him. One more game to go and then they head into the semi-finals. It was an almost perfect day for Virat and a great day for India," added the batter.
Ponting was also left in awe of the Indian bowlers have had in the ongoing World Cup. This was after they skittled ther South African batters for just 83 on Sunday.
"What we have seen in this World Cup so far, is that India’s bowling attack has clearly been the best," Ponting said. "Opposition teams are going to have to put a lot of analysis into how they play Bumrah, how they are going to play (Mohammed) Siraj, as they need to get on top of these guys early.
"Because if they don’t, their spinners will come and get you in the middle of the game," said Ponting.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
'You have got the wrong Sara. The whole world...': Sara Ali Khan's hilarious reply to dating rumours with Shubman Gill
'I saw selfishness in Virat Kohli’s batting. He didn’t put the team first': Mohammad Hafeez makes shocking statement
'I have not seen Rohit Sharma express so much. It was so emotional': Virat Kohli reflects on rarest of rare moment
