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"Waiting and killing time": Ponting blasts Kohli's 'achieved everything' attitude

Soumyajit Dutta

Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting [Source: @amir_wanar/X.com]Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting [Source: @amir_wanar/X.com]

The much-awaited return of Virat Kohli in Indian colours turned out to be a heartbreak for fans, as the batting great registered a duck in Perth. Mitchell Starc exposed Kohli’s old weakness outside the off stump, sending him back without troubling the scorers. 

Though the RCB star enjoyed a long break and quality time with his family in London, that leisure seemed to have done little to restore his form on the field.

Ponting slams Kohli's approach

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting didn’t shy away from criticising Kohli’s underwhelming comeback but also offered a surprising note of empathy. 

Speaking to the ICC Review, Ponting expressed both concern and encouragement, saying he still wants the Indian star to achieve as much as he can on Australian soil.

"The one thing I don't like hearing from anyone is that 'I've achieved everything in the game' because I think you still have to have some really short-term goals and not just be hanging on to try and get through to the 2027 World Cup,” Ponting said on the ICC Review.

Ponting further highlighted Kohli’s long-term goals, including his aspirations for the 2027 World Cup, and urged him to rediscover his rhythm in the ongoing Australia series.

"Virat's always been a highly motivated person. And I'd like to think that he's probably sat down and even just given himself some goals and things that he can achieve in this series here in Australia and not be just waiting and killing time for that next World Cup to come around," Ponting added.

Ponting wants Kohli to bounce back soon

Ponting emphasised that regaining tempo after a long break is one of the toughest challenges for any batter, suggesting that Virat Kohli might have been slightly out of touch after his time away from the game. Ponting, however, sounded optimistic about the veteran’s ability to bounce back.

"Finding your rhythm and tempo is the biggest thing. When you've had a break, just getting back used to the rhythm and the tempo of the 50-over game again, it takes a little bit of time for anybody. I'd expect to see both those guys bounce back into it pretty quickly. As I said, Adelaide is a great place to bat and a great place to play cricket. But it won't be easy for the fact that they are facing some of the best white-ball bowlers that have ever played the game. So, the challenge is definitely there," added Ponting.

Concluding his thoughts, Ponting lauded Kohli as “the best 50-over player of this generation,” and reflected on his potential role in India’s 2027 World Cup plans. 

"But I say it all the time, you don't write off champion players ever. And these two guys have been two of the best, and while I'm on record saying I think Virat's the best 50-over player I've ever seen, you don't write them off. They'll find a way to contribute and win games for their team, and if they do that, then they'll most likely be in that World Cup team in 2027," Ponting concluded.

True to Ponting’s faith, Kohli will get another chance to script his redemption when India face Australia in the second ODI at Adelaide on October 23.