Former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting refused to compare Virat Kohli with Sachin Tendulkar when it comes to their batting talents, but he made it clear that if Kohli performs well, India will win the World Cup 2019 title.
“I don’t think we can get to the conclusion till Virat’s career is over. Only then will we have a clearer picture. Sachin is a legend. Yes, you can say Virat is piling up runs. His Test average is more than 50 (53.76). But Sachin maintained that (average) in 200 Tests. Virat’s ODI record, though, is unbelievable. That’s why I feel India are a very dangerous side. If Virat has a good World Cup, India will win,” Ponting said in an interview to Cricbuzz.
READ: Ricky Ponting has a surprise pick for India’s No. 4 at 2019 World Cup
Ponting also said that Kohli’s ODI numbers prove that he is one of the best and hardly anyone can argue with that.
“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,” Ponting explained.
{{/usCountry}}“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,” Ponting explained.
{{/usCountry}}Earlier, Ponting, who had a storied career that saw him make 168 Test and 375 ODI appearances for the Australian national team, weighed in on the debate of India’s No. 4 batting position with a surprise pick of his own.
READ: Ricky Ponting sees this wicketkeeper as MS Dhoni’s backup at 2019 World Cup
Ponting, who will be coaching the rebranded Delhi Capitals in the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), has propped up his franchise captain Shreyas Iyer for the number 4 slot in the Indian batting line-up.
“They tried a few even during the recent Australia series. Rayudu was there, Rishabh, Shankar. They could have also have tried Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player. He has had a great domestic season. I am excited to catch up with him. It’s an interesting conundrum; maybe, they can fit in KL Rahul in that spot”, Ponting told Times of India.