Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting may have unwittingly lit the fuse for an explosive summer of cricket against India, but he stands by his comments on fading cricket legend Virat Kohli.
Ponting was recently asked about ‘King Kohli’ and his recent Test struggles with the bat, and the highly respected Channel 7 commentator admitted it was an issue.
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Speaking exclusively to Channel 7’s Mel McLaughlin, Ponting moved to clarify those comments that have suddenly drawn the ire of India’s coach Gautam Gambhir.
“I said I would be concerned (about his form),” Ponting explained on 7NEWS.
“But I think if you ask Virat, I’m sure Virat would be a little bit concerned that he hasn’t been able to make the same amount of hundreds as he has in previous years.
“In no way was it a dig at him. I actually followed it up by saying he’s played well in Australia and he’ll be keen to bounce back over here.
“So, it’s amazing how little things can get cut up, but he’s a class player and he’s played well in Australia in the past.”
Ponting admitted he was a little surprised when he read the reaction to his comments, but said it was probably to be expected from Gambhir.
He said he had “a bit of history” with Gambhir after playing against him and coaching him at the Delhi Daredevils.
“I was surprised to read the reaction but knowing the coach, Gautam Gambhir … he’s quite a prickly character, so I’m not surprised it was him who said something back,” Ponting said.
Asked if he would shake the coach’s hand ahead of the Test in Perth, Ponting said he would … but didn’t expect it to happen.
When asked about upcoming Test series (which will be live and free on Seven), Ponting said he couldn’t wait, despite the queries on both teams.
“They are two of the best teams in the world, no doubt about it,” Ponting said.
“The Australians have been very dominant for a long time, especially at home. (But) India have had the better of Australia the last two times they’ve actually come here. And India are coming back after a series whitewash loss to New Zealand.
“Rohit Sharma. (the captain) might not be here for the first Test (he’s waiting for the birth of his second child).
“Mohammed Shami (ankle) I think is a massive out for India. Rishabh Pant is a massive in for India coming back into the side in the last 6-8 months. And Australia will have a new opening batsman (Nathan McSweeney) at the top of the order …
“I can’t wait for it to get under way.
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“(It’s a) great place for the series to start in Perth on a fast bouncy wicket that the Indians won’t particularly like, so it’s ideally set up for the Australians to play well.”
Ponting said he was not concerned about Australia’s ageing squad but admitted the team would be re-generating in the next couple of years.
“There are a lot of players in the side over 30. Some of those players are playing their absolute best cricket right now (though),” he said.
“The time is going to come when they have to bring someone new and fresh into the side. Obviously when Cameron Green there is a you have a newer, younger fresher feel about (the team) … and McSweeney looks like he’s got the game that’s well equipped to handle Test level.
“(But I’m not concerned about the Australians’ age) because they’re all playing really well.”
He said the time would come when the selectors would have to navigate their way through several players retiring, but the key was to make sure it didn’t happen all at the same time.