Ricky Ponting Praises Virat Kohli By Making 'HUGE' Claim

image-looeuockVirat Kohli celebrating his 49th century at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has lavished a huge praise on Indian batting legend Virat Kohli. Ponting, who is currently in India as one of the commentators for the 2023 World Cup, recently witnessed Kohli slapping his 49th ODI century to level-up with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.


Ponting praises Virat Kohli with huge claim

Virat Kohli punched out his 49th ODI century during the course of his match-winning batting masterclass against South Africa in front of a packed Eden Gardens, and the occasion also marked his 35th birthday. The cricketer celebrated the occasion by levelling up with former teammate and all-time batting great Sachin Tendulkar, who also produced 49 tons during his playing days.

Ponting, witnessing Kohli’s sublime run with the bat up-close, claimed that no other cricket fan, apart from Indians, would want the batting maverick to play the next World Cup, slated to be played in 2027 in South Africa. The former Australian captain, one of the greatest cricketers to have graced the game himself, said:

“Any other cricket fan - other than Indian fans - wouldn't want Virat Kohli to play the next World Cup.”

Interestingly, Virat Kohli will be inching closer to 39 by the time the next World Cup arrives in 2027. The tournament is slated to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe.

Kohli himself has been in scintillating touch with the bat off-late, having registered six scores of fifty or more in the competition. The right-handed batsman pulled off sensational run-chases for Team India in their crunch games against Australia, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

Prior to his latest batting exhibition against South Africa, Kohli also pounded Sri Lanka with a counterattacking 88-run knock during his 189-run match-winning partnership with Shubman Gill.