India’s Virat Kohli performs a shot throughout the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 match between India and South Africa, at Eden Gardens, in Kolkata, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.
| Photo Credit: Ok.R Deepak
Virat Kohli is the “absolute best” batter in the world on the premise of his total report and he didn’t have to equal legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s report variety of ODI a whole bunch to earn that tag, feels former Australia captain Ricky Ponting.
Kohli equalled Tendulkar’s report of 49 ODI centuries with an excellent 101 not out towards South Africa on his thirty fifth birthday in a World Cup match on Sunday. The century solely additional strengthened Kohli’s case of being one of many biggest gamers of contemporary occasions.
“There is no doubt he is the absolute best and I have said that for a long time,” Ponting said on the ICC website.
“He didn’t need to equal Sachin’s record, he doesn’t need to break the record.”
“If you have a look at his total batting report it is unbelievable,” said Ponting, himself a legendary batter.
The century against South Africa was Kohli’s second of the tournament and fourth overall in all 50-over World Cups. The 35-year-old now has a total of 543 runs at this edition of the World Cup at an imposing average of 108.60.
Ponting eluded to the fact that Kohli reached the feat of 49th ODI ton in 175 innings less than Tendulkar.
“To suppose that he (Kohli) acquired 49 ODI a whole bunch and equalled Sachin and in 175 much less innings is unbelievable.”
Ponting predicted a extra harmful Kohli in the rest of the World Cup as he can play with extra freedom now that he has drawn degree with Tendulkar.
“That (49th ton) might be a bit of a monkey off his back. I think he has been working extra hard to equal Sachin’s record.
“That’s achieved now and it has occurred at a very good time on the match for him. One extra sport to go after which they head into the semi-finals. It was an virtually good day for Virat and a terrific day for India.”
Ponting was also highly impressed with the strong impact Indian bowlers have had in many of their resounding victories. He said the Indian bowling attack has been the best of all the teams in the ongoing World Cup.
South Africa’s star-studded batting line-up were skittled for just 83 on Sunday and only two teams have managed to bat out their 50 overs against India through their first eight games of the tournament.
India now have three players among the top 10 wicket-takers at the tournament — Mohammad Shami (16), Jasprit Bumrah (15) and Ravindra Jadeja (14).
“What we’ve seen in this World Cup to date, is that India’s bowling assault has clearly been the perfect,” Ponting said.
“Opposition groups are going to should put lots of evaluation into how they play Bumrah, how they’ll play (Mohammed) Siraj, as they should get on high of those guys early.
“Because if they don’t, their spinners will come and get you in the middle of the game.”
