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'Someone Like Virat Would Probably...': Ricky Ponting Compares Kohli and Rohit's Captaincy

image-lntzo2r7Ponting has lauded Rohit's captaincy over Virat [AP Photo]

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting believes that Rohit Sharma is the perfect leader for Team India as they set their sights on winning the 2023 ODI World Cup in their home country, thereby breaking a ten-year spell without an ICC trophy. 

Ponting drew a contrast between the character traits of Rohit Sharma and his predecessor, Virat Kohli, emphasising that Kohli's emotional side might have posed a greater challenge for him in dealing with the pressure of big occasions, whereas Rohit excels at staying composed during such moments.  

Here’s what Ricky Ponting told ICC: 

"He's very laid back, Rohit. Very laid back with everything he does. You can even see that by the way that he plays. He's a pretty laconic sort of batsman as well, and that's the way he is both on and off the field.”


“We can't sit back and say that the pressure won't get to them at some stage, or it won't affect them, because it will, just with the enormity of the tournament. But he'll take it and cope with it as well as probably anyone.” 

The former Australia captain went on to mention that Rohit Sharma is the perfect choice to lead India, which also allows Virat Kohli to concentrate solely on his batting and run-scoring. 

"Someone like Virat, who is a bit more heart-on-the-sleeve, and probably listens to the fans and plays up with the fans a little bit more, someone with his personality would probably find it a bit harder. But I think Rohit will be fine with it. He's a terrific bloke and has been a great player for a long time, and he's done a great job as leader of India.” 

Rohit Sharma, who had a lacklustre beginning to the World Cup with a duck against Australia, made a astounding comeback by scoring a century against Afghanistan in the second match and a match-winning 86 runs against Pakistan in the most recent game in Ahmedabad.  

Meanwhile, Virat Kohli opened his World Cup campaign with back-to-back half-century performances against Australia and Afghanistan. He aims to sustain this outstanding run as the tournament progresses. With most players, whether in batting or bowling, in fine fettle, Team India's got a legit chance to break that ten-year trophy dry spell and grab the World Cup.