The Indian cricket is filled with stars but one name that stands out is Virat Kohli. The former India captain is hailed worldwide, and a lot of credit goes to his staggering records and prime fitness despite being in late 30s. As Kohli continues to inspire a generation of cricketers globally, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting has reserved a special praise for the talismanic batter.
Ponting believes it is Kohli, who played a "big role" in revolutionizing Test cricket in India. He also mentioned that the Indian batters are no longer afraid even if it's an overseas battle. The former Australia captain also lauded Rahul Dravid's role in keeping up the momentum. Dravid was the coach of the Indian team, having taken the mantle from Ravi Shastri in 2021. He, however, has stepped down from the position after India's triumph at the T20 World Cup with ex-India batter Gautam Gambhir replacing him at the helm.
"Going back to Kohli's start of captaincy, (he) played a big role in turning the cricket around, and (Rahul) 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 said during an interaction on Sky Sports.
If we look at the numbers, Kohli became the first Indian captain to win a Test series in Australia. The result also saw India become the first Asian nation to achieve the feat. Ponting feels Kohli's aggression has instilled a belief among the players, and pointed out the last time India toured to the country for the Border-Gavaskar Tests. With Kohli flying back to India after the first Test, India under Ajinkya Rahane's leadership still managed to stun the Aussies at their own backyard. The win was more special as India achieved the feat with a squad depleted with injuries.
"They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn't happen. I think their batters adapt to overseas batting conditions very well. 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," observed Ponting.
If we look at the numbers, Kohli led India in 68 Tests, out of which the team won 40, lost 17, while 11 ended in draws. With another Border-Gavaskar Trophy lined up, Kohli will tour Down Under under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. "Their fast-bowling depth is great. The leadership in the last 6-7 years has been strong."
Australia last lifted the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2014-15 at home. India have since went to claim the title four times, winning two at home and two on Australian soil.
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