Ricky Ponting expresses concern over Virat Kohli's Test cricket performance
Former Australian cricket captain, Ricky Ponting, has raised alarm bells over Virat Kohli's recent form in Test cricket. He noted that Kohli has only scored two centuries in the last five years. The observation comes after India's dismal series against New Zealand, where Kohli could only manage a paltry 93 runs. India are set to face Australia in a 5-match series against Australia next, starting November 22.
Kohli's performance against New Zealand spinners raises concerns
Ponting particularly highlighted Kohli's difficulty against New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel. "I saw a stat the other day about Virat, it said he's only scored two (three) Test hundreds in the last five years. That didn't seem right to me, but if that is right, then that is, I mean, that's a concern," Ponting said on the latest episode of ICC Review.
Ponting backs Kohli for strong comeback in Australia tour
Despite his worries, Ponting was confident that Kohli would bounce back in the upcoming tour of Australia. He said, "I've said it before about Virat, you don't ever question the greats of the game." Ponting added, "There's no doubt, he's a great of the game. He loves playing against Australia."
Kohli's Test average and ranking slip in 2024
Notably, in 2024, Kohli's average has plummeted to a mere 22.72 from six matches. Since his Test return last month versus Bangladesh, Kohli has struggled with one half-century across five home Tests. He managed 6, 17, 47 and 29* versus Bangladesh before scoing 0, 70, 1, 17, 4 and 1 versus New Zealand. For the first time in a decade, he also slipped out of the top 20 in the ICC Test Batting Rankings. He is 22nd (655 rating points).
Ponting highlights India's vulnerability against quality spin bowling
Ponting also spoke about India's recent Test series loss to New Zealand, where the team struggled against spin. He said, "I think the one thing it does probably say is it's really starting to highlight India's vulnerability against good quality spin bowling." Ponting said changes in playing conditions and an increase in fast bowlers could be reasons behind this.
Kohli's numbers have taken a hit
As per ESPNcricinfo, since 2021, Kohli has amassed 1,722 runs from 31 matches at just 33.11 (50s: 8, 100s: 2). Across 38 innings versus the spinners during this phase, he has been dismissed 27 times. He owns 793 runs at 29.37. He has also been dismissed 25 times by pacers at an average of 37.16. In six matches this year, Kohli has piled up a sorry 250 runs from 12 innings at 22.72 (50s: 1).
