Ricky Ponting tells how India 'can win' 2019 World Cup
The ICC World Cup 2019 is getting closer with each passing day, as several pundits and analysts have started picking their favorites for the mega event. India go in as one of the favorites to lift the trophy and former Australian captain Ricky Ponting feels one specific reason could work in India's favor. In an interview to TOI, Ponting revealed the same.
'If Virat has a good World Cup, India will win'
Ponting has backed India to win the coveted title and feels Kohli's presence makes them a dangerous unit. He said, "Virat's ODI record is unbelievable. That's why I feel India are a very dangerous side. If Virat has a good World Cup, India will win."
Kohli has ruled ODI cricket like nobody else
Skipper Virat Kohli's presence means India are in with a chance to win the World Cup. He has ruled ODI cricket like nobody else in the last few years. The 30-year-old has already smashed 41 ODI tons. He can finish off games and whenever he is in a groove, India generally win. Kohli has played a huge role in India's success in recent times.
Kohli's statistics prove why he is a legend
Kohli amassed 1,202 runs in ODIs in 2018. He hit six hundreds and three fifties. The star player ended as the top run-scorer in ODIs both in 2017 and 2018. This year as well, Kohli has already slammed three centuries. He is leading the charts at the moment in terms of runs scored (611). He is averaging 55.54 with the bat.
Ponting terms Kohli as GOAT in ODIs
Ponting joined former England captain Michael Vaughan and Aussie great Michael Clarke to term Kohli as the best in ODI cricket. "His numbers show that he is the best. How old is he? Maybe 30, and he is going to play another 200 games. I don't think there will be many people who are going to argue against him being the best," said Punter.
Ponting feels it's hard to compare Tendulkar and Kohli
When asked who is more gifted between Sachin Tendulkar and Kohli, the Aussie said, Tendulkar was technically sound. He added, "Virat is the flashier between the two. He has more square-of-the wicket shots, while Sachin was more a down-the-line, play in the 'V' sort of player. It is hard to compare the two. Different eras, different wickets, everything is different."
Ponting can relate to Kohli
Ponting also feels Kohli is pretty much similar to him. "I can relate to Virat because when I watch him play, I think a lot of his attitude is similar to mine. On the field, he is aggressive, wears his heart on his sleeve, (though) his body language can get out of control sometimes. That is like me...I was the same," said Punter.
