- Virat Kohli: The former Kangaroo captain believes that Virat Kohli brought about a revolution in the Test format. He said that now Indian batsmen are not afraid on big stages.
Ricky Ponting On Virat Kohli & Rahul Dravid:
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has made a big statement on Virat Kohli. Actually, the former Kangaroo captain believes that Virat Kohli brought about a revolution in the Test format. He said that now Indian batsmen are not afraid of big stages, they play good cricket in foreign conditions. Virat Kohli has a big contribution in the way the Indian team has achieved success on foreign soil. Apart from this, Ricky Ponting praised former Indian coach Rahul Dravid. Rahul Dravid left the post of coach after India became the T20 World Cup champion.
Ricky Ponting said that Virat Kohli changed Test cricket under his captaincy. After this, Rahul Dravid continued the success for the last 4 years. A player like Virat Kohli has a big impact on the team. The former Kangaroo legend said that the Indian team is consistently performing brilliantly on foreign soil. Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid have a big contribution in this success. At the same time, India defeated the hosts on Australian soil and captured the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the second consecutive time.
Let us tell you that a series of 5 Test matches will be played between India and Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. This series will start from November 22. Both the teams will face each other in Perth from November 22 for the first Test. After this, the second Test of the series will be played in Adelaide from December 6. While the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy will be played in Brisbane from December 14. Both the teams will face each other in Melbourne from December 26 for the fourth Test. At the same time, the fifth and last Test of this series will be played in Sydney from January 3.
Australian legend Ricky Ponting has never been one to shy away from sharing his thoughts on the evolving landscape of cricket. Recently, he made a bold statement that has garnered significant attention: “Virat Kohli changed Test cricket.” This remark highlights the profound impact Kohli has had on the traditional format of the game. Ponting didn’t stop there, also emphasizing the influence of current Indian head coach, Rahul Dravid, and how their partnership has shaped the future of Test cricket for India. Let’s dive into the context behind Ponting’s comments and what makes them so significant.
Virat Kohli: The Game Changer in Test Cricket
When Ponting says that Virat Kohli changed Test cricket, he isn’t just talking about the runs Kohli scored or the records he broke—he’s referring to the aggressive, dynamic approach that Kohli brought to the format. Kohli’s tenure as Test captain for India is widely regarded as a period that reignited global interest in Test cricket, not just in India but around the world.
- Aggression and Intent: Kohli’s leadership style was aggressive, demanding excellence from himself and his team. Under his captaincy, India began to approach Test cricket with the same intensity that is often reserved for shorter formats. This shift in mentality brought about a fearless style of play that many considered risky but was essential in shaping India into a global powerhouse in Test cricket.
- Fitness Revolution: One of the most noticeable changes Kohli spearheaded was a focus on fitness. He raised the bar for physical conditioning within the team, insisting on higher levels of fitness and endurance. This not only extended players’ careers but also helped the Indian team compete at an elite level across varying conditions, especially on foreign soil where fitness is often tested.
- Success Overseas: One of the biggest knocks against previous Indian Test sides was their struggle to win overseas, particularly in places like Australia, England, and South Africa. Kohli took that challenge head-on, and under his leadership, India achieved historic wins, including a series victory in Australia in 2018-19, the first by any Asian team in Test cricket.
- Revival of Fast Bowling: Traditionally known for its spin bowlers, India under Kohli’s captaincy saw a renaissance of fast bowling. The rise of pace bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma became a defining feature of Kohli’s tenure. Ponting recognized how Kohli backed these bowlers, allowing India to build one of the most lethal fast-bowling attacks in the world.
Rahul Dravid: The Silent Architect
While Ponting praised Kohli for his fiery leadership and transformation of the Indian Test team, he also acknowledged the role of Rahul Dravid, the current head coach. Dravid, known for his calm demeanor and legendary batting technique, has been a stabilizing force for the Indian team. Ponting emphasized that Dravid’s influence could be the key to sustaining the progress made during Kohli’s reign.
- Nurturing Young Talent: One of Dravid’s greatest strengths is his ability to nurture young talent. As the head of India’s National Cricket Academy and coach of the U-19 team before taking over the senior side, Dravid has shaped the next generation of Indian cricketers. Players like Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Rishabh Pant have all benefited from his mentorship, and under his guidance, India’s bench strength has only grown stronger.
- A Balanced Approach: While Kohli’s aggressive captaincy brought out the best in the team, Dravid’s coaching style has provided a balanced approach. His calm and calculated strategies have helped steady the ship, particularly in moments of high pressure. Ponting’s statement acknowledges how Dravid’s experience and cricketing wisdom have complemented the fiery energy that Kohli brought to the game.
- Maintaining the Fitness Culture: Dravid has continued Kohli’s legacy of emphasizing fitness, ensuring that the team remains one of the fittest in the world. This focus on physical conditioning has kept India competitive, even when facing formidable opponents in challenging conditions.
- Transition of Leadership: With Kohli stepping down as Test captain, Dravid’s role has become even more critical. Ponting pointed out how Dravid has been instrumental in overseeing this leadership transition, ensuring that the new captain, Rohit Sharma, continues the legacy of excellence while putting his own stamp on the team. Dravid’s ability to adapt to different leadership styles has made him an invaluable asset during this phase.
Ponting’s Perspective: A Blend of Aggression and Strategy
Ricky Ponting, himself a two-time World Cup-winning captain and one of the greatest leaders in cricket history, understands the importance of blending aggression with strategic thinking. His admiration for Kohli’s transformative leadership is rooted in his own experiences as a captain who led Australia through one of its most dominant eras. Ponting sees in Kohli a kindred spirit—someone who isn’t afraid to push boundaries, take risks, and redefine what’s possible in Test cricket.
At the same time, Ponting’s acknowledgment of Dravid’s role highlights the importance of balance. Where Kohli brought passion and intensity, Dravid brings calmness and calculated precision. It is this combination that has made India a formidable force in Test cricket.
The Future of Indian Test Cricket
Ponting’s statement also serves as a reminder that the future of Indian Test cricket is in good hands. While Kohli may no longer be the captain, the culture he built—focused on fitness, aggression, and excellence—continues to thrive under Dravid’s mentorship and Rohit Sharma’s leadership. With a strong core of players and an ever-expanding pool of young talent, India is well-positioned to remain a dominant force in Test cricket for years to come.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Leadership and Strategy
Ricky Ponting’s remark that “Virat Kohli changed Test cricket” underscores the profound impact Kohli has had on the format, not just in India but globally. His aggressive leadership style, focus on fitness, and success overseas have revolutionized how Test cricket is played. Rahul Dravid’s steady hand, meanwhile, ensures that this legacy will not only continue but evolve. Together, they have created a blueprint for sustained excellence in Test cricket—one that future Indian teams will look to emulate.
