I'll never write off Virat Kohli & Rohit Sharma: Ricky Ponting

Following India's successful ICC Champions Trophy, Rohit Sharma has found life difficult in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Virat Kohli, on the other hand, has been decent this season but has found it tough in Tests, where he struggled for runs following his century in Perth. Rohit too has struggled in Tests for a while now.

While admitting that it could be tough for the senior duo in Tests, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting refused to write them off.

“I have been on record about Virat to say, ‘You can’t write off quality players’. They’re champions for a reason and always find a way to come good,” Ponting told The Indian Express during Idea Exchange. 

“At different times in the last couple of years, Virat has been able to do that when he is getting in a hole. He is a high-quality player and, maybe Rohit is a bit the same. Test cricket is the thing that is becoming harder for them right now. Rohit has made it clear he’s going nowhere in the 50-over game. Virat is the best white-ball player I have ever seen. I will never write those guys off.”  

Ponting also recalled the talk he had with Rahul Dravid when the Indian batter was struggling for runs.

“We could all see he was battling, and there was a lot of media talk, and it was all wearing him down. Rahul and I have always got along really well. We were fierce competitors, both No.3 batters for our countries for a long time. For players like that, the class and quality doesn’t leave. It sometimes gets buried under a lot of other stuff, and certain people can’t find their way out of those holes," Ponting said. 

"I just had a chat with him and said, ‘Look, forget about all the external stuff, believe in yourself, and go back to the things that have made you a good player. If you focus on that and not worry about the little things, I am sure you can finish off your career on a strong note.’ That’s all I said. He went away and did that and guess what? When I was at the end of my career, I got the same message back from him. He was the first on the phone and made me aware of the things I had to say to him."

Ponting, who is the head coach of Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the ongoing IPL 2025 season, has made a good start with his new side. They have won two of their three matches so far and will look to add another win to their tally when they take on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 8 (Tuesday).