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'Virat Kohli Loves Pressure Situations': Ricky Ponting Lauds Indian Superstar

image-lnl9irlyKohli scored a classy 85 against the Aussies [AP Photo]

Ricky Ponting hailed Virat Kohli as the master run-chaser in world cricket after the modern-day legend aced yet another second half of a One-Day International in his team's ICC World Cup 2023 opener against Australia.

The former Aussie skipper reckons Kohli's performances in run-chases reflect how much he "loves under-pressure situations", making him an invaluable asset within the Indian ranks at the quadrennial event.

Kohli produced another classic knock in a run-chase against the five-time champions on Sunday (October 8) in Chennai on a challenging surface. With India slipping to a woeful 3 for 2 after a mini top-order collapse in their quest to hunt down Australia's insignificant but tricky 199 all out, Kohli smashed an exceptional 85 off 116 deliveries.

Bringing all his experience and expertise into play, the Indian stalwart perfectly judged the circumstances and focused on minimising risks while gradually shifting the pressure back to Australia during a memorable fourth-wicket stand with KL Rahul, who struck an unbeaten 97 on the night. 

Ponting's Huge Praise For Virat Kohli After Chepauk Classic

Ponting said Kohli's ability to take the risk element out of the equation and stick to his tried and tested mantra of rotating strike when others would enter panic mode sets him apart and has allowed him to become one of the unparalleled greats of the One-Day game. 

Speaking with the International Cricket Council (ICC) in an interaction prior to India's next World Cup game in Delhi against Afghanistan on Wednesday (October 11), Ponting says Kohli is a realist in his approach, in that he is heavily independent of luck or a "fluke" helping his cause. 

The Aussie legend reckoned Kohli's state of mind enters absolute clarity when it comes to run-chases and his tremendous success in the second half of One-Day Internationals is not at all a matter of "coincidence" but sheer excellence with bat in hand. 

"Virat Kohli loves under pressure situations, he loves the run chases," Ponting said. "It's no fluke or coincidence, he works the game out and thinks how he'll play before coming out to bat. He'll stick to what he thinks will work for him."

After his Chepauk heroics, Kohli will be next seen in action against Afghanistan on October 11 (today) in India's second World Cup match.