IND vs AUS ODIs: Ricky Ponting heaps praise on Team India`s Virat Kohli

[[{“value”:”

In the first ODI match against Australia, Team India suffered a loss by seven wickets at the Optus Stadium in Perth.

In what was their return to international cricket, the duo endured poor outings with the willow. Facing 14 balls, Rohit scored just eight runs, with the help of a boundary, whereas Virat was dismissed on an eight-ball duck.

Despite poor putting, former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has expressed confidence in both of them by saying that “you do not write off champion players”. He also heaped praise on Virat by saying he is the best 50-over player that he has ever seen.

“But I say it all the time, you don`t write off champion players ever. And these two guys have been two of the best, and while I`m on record saying I think Virat`s the best 50-over player I`ve ever seen, you don`t write them off. They`ll find a way to contribute and win games for their team, and if they do that, then they`ll most likely be in that World Cup team in 2027,” he said.

He also feels that it takes a little bit of time for any players to find their rhythm and tempo in the 50-over format.

“Finding your rhythm and tempo is the biggest thing. When you`ve had a break, just getting back used to the rhythm and the tempo of the 50-over game again, it takes a little bit of time for anybody,” said Ponting.

The second ODI match between Team India and Australia is scheduled to be played on October 23 at the Adelaide Oval.

Ahead of the game, the 50-year-old former cricketer feels that despite having Adelaide as a great place to bat, the Shubman Gill-led Team India will face challenges as they will be playing against the best white-ball bowlers.

“Adelaide is a great place to bat and a great place to play cricket. But it won`t be easy for the fact that they are facing some of the best white-ball bowlers that have ever played the game. So, the challenge is definitely there,” he signed off.

(With ANI Inputs)

“}]]