'Played a big role in turning the cricket around': Ricky Ponting applauds Virat Kohli's leadership

NEW DELHI: India has outperformed Australia in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy series. The Indian team has secured victories in the last four series, including two triumphs in Australia during the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons.
India now leads with ten series wins, compared to Australia’s five. Australia's last series win occurred in the 2014-15 season, with their most recent series victory in India dating back to 2004-05.
Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain, commended the Indian batsmen for their adaptability to batting conditions overseas.He shared his remarks as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is set to begin. The first Test is scheduled in Perth on November 22.
Former cricketer Ricky Ponting spoke to Sky Sports Cricket about the evolving confidence of Indian batters and the strengths of their cricket team. Ponting noted that Indian players are no longer intimidated by playing at venues like the Gabba and Optus Oval.
"They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn't happen. I think their batsmen adapt to overseas batting conditions very well. I don't think they're as daunted by the Gabba or the Optus Oval, as they maybe once were. Maybe it is a selection thing, or they just don't fear the big stage anymore," Ponting said as per ANI.
Highlighting the depth of India's fast-bowling lineup, Ponting attributed their recent success to strong leadership, mentioning that the efforts of former captain Virat Kohli and former head coach Rahul Dravid have been crucial.
"Their fast-bowling depth is great. The leadership in the last 6-7 years has been strong, going back to Kohli's start of captaincy, played a big role in turning the cricket around and Dravid has continued the same in the recent four years. The influence of someone like that [Kohli] around a team would be great and they've got star players," he further added.
Virat Kohli's leadership style brought a bold and aggressive approach to the Indian cricket team, contributing to victories in overseas matches. Under his captaincy, India made history by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia.
Kohli captained India in 68 Test matches, recording 40 wins, 17 losses, and 11 draws. His success both at home and abroad made him one of India's most successful Test captains.
Ponting also commented on the significant impact of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on young Indian players, saying it creates an atmosphere similar to a World Cup environment.
"For the last 10 years being around the IPL, I've noticed that a lot of the young guys [don't fear the big stage anymore] as the IPL is high-pressure, it is like a World Cup for them. Their batsmen are all very aggressive stroke-making players. They are not scared of failing," he added.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia promises to be a treat for cricket fans worldwide. With two evenly matched teams, a variety of playing conditions, and the added spice of the day-night Test, this series has all the ingredients to be a classic.