Ponting Proposes New Role for Kohli in T20 World Cup
ICC Hall of Fame inductee, Ricky Ponting, asserts that Virat Kohli remains a crucial pick for India’s squad in the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He also shares his thoughts on the ideal batting position for the star right-hander.
As the Men’s T20 World Cup draws near, speculation and excitement surround the Indian cricket team’s selection and strategy. The key question is who will make the cut for the tournament opener against Ireland in New York on June 5.
Kohli, who has been performing exceptionally well as an opener for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing Indian Premier League, has raised eyebrows with his impressive strike rate at the top of the batting order. He has scored a tournament-best 708 runs from 14 innings.
Three-time ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winner and Australian legend, Ponting, believes that despite the recent emphasis on strike rates over averages, Kohli’s contribution to India’s success remains significant.
Ponting shared with the ICC, “A few years ago, the focus was on ensuring that someone at the top of the order scored 80 or 100, even if it took them 60 balls. However, the game is now shifting towards a strike rate-based approach where a 40 off 15 balls can have a massive impact.”
Although Kohli has primarily batted at No.3 for India in the shortest format, Ponting suggests that the 35-year-old would be best positioned opening the batting alongside captain Rohit Sharma in the T20 World Cup.
Ponting noted, “The selectors have a decision to make regarding (Yashasvi) Jaiswal, as the team lacks left-hand batters. However, I’m confident that they’ll choose Kohli and Rohit Sharma as openers.”
Ponting is confident that Kohli will once again shine on the grand stage at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
“It’s peculiar with Virat. I think people in India are always looking for a reason not to select him or to downplay his T20 skills,” he said. “For me, Kohli is the first pick for India. He can play his role at the top, especially with the right support from players like Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma.”
Kohli, the leading run-scorer at the last Men’s T20 World Cup, played pivotal roles in key matches, including his 82* against Pakistan and a solid 50 against England in the semi-finals.
Ponting believes that Kohli’s ability to perform in high-pressure matches is a significant advantage. “There was talk about Virat not being in the team just last year, but when the big games came around, he was one of the guys who delivered,” Ponting noted. “You simply can’t replace class and experience like that.”