Virat Kohli has played big role in revolutionising Test cricket in India: Ponting

Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has lavished praise on India batter Virat Kohli for playing a big role in revolutionising Test cricket in India. Kohli is India's most successful captain, having won 40 of the 68 matches he has led, giving him a win percentage of 58.82%.

Ponting further went on to credit former India head coach Rahul Dravid for doing the same. “Going back to Kohli’s start of captaincy, [he] played a big role in turning the cricket around, and Dravid has continued the same in the recent four years. The influence of someone like that [Kohli] around a team would be great, and they’ve got star players,” Ponting told Sky Sports.

Under Kohli, India became the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. His aggressive brand of captaincy ensured India won quite regularly on the road.

Kohli left after the first Test during 2020-21 tour of Australia, but despite suffering an embarrassing defeat in Adelaide, India under Ajinkya Rahane turned things around to win the series 2-1, which included a win at Gabba in the final Test. 

“They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn’t happen. I think their batters adapt to overseas batting conditions very well," Ponting said.

“I don’t think they’re as daunted by the Gabba or the Optus Oval as they maybe once were. Maybe it is a selection thing, or they just don’t fear the big stage anymore. Their fast-bowling depth is great. The leadership in the last 6-7 years has been strong.” 

Ponting has also credited the role the Indian Premier League (IPL) has made in making the batters fearless. “For the last 10 years being around the IPL, I’ve noticed that a lot of the young guys [play aggressively without fear] as the IPL is high-pressure. It is like a World Cup for them," he observed.

“Their batsmen are all very aggressive stroke-making players. They are not scared of failing."

India will tour Australia for a five-match Test series starting November 22. Australia have lost four consecutive Test series, including two at home, against India.

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