'They Don't Fear the Big Stage Anymore': Ricky Ponting Credits Virat Kohli for Making India Fearless

Former Australian cricket captain Ricky Ponting has credited Virat Kohli for transforming the mindset of the Indian cricket team, making them a fearless unit on the international stage. In an interview with Sky Sports, Ponting reflected on Kohli’s impact during his tenure as captain and how his influence continues to be felt in the current team.

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Ricky Ponting lauds Virat Kohli

Ricky Ponting's remarks underline the pivotal role Virat Kohli played in instilling a winning mentality, particularly in overseas conditions. Kohli's aggressive approach as captain redefined India's Test cricket, making them a force to be reckoned with, even in traditionally tough tours like those in Australia, England, and South Africa.

"Going back to Kohli's start of captaincy, (he) played a big role in turning the cricket around, and (Rahul) 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," Ponting told Sky Sports.

During the last Test series in Australia in 2020-21, Kohli left for India after the first match due to the birth of his daughter Vamika. But India, under the captaincy of Ajinkya Rahane, battled injuries and the absence of key players to eke out a historic 2–1 series win.

"They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn't happen. I think their batters 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," observed Ponting.

Under Kohli's captaincy, India became the first Asian side to win a Test series in Australia, besides recording some memorable wins elsewhere.

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With his aggressive captaincy, Kohli made everyone believe that the Indian team can win overseas as well, and his confidence rubbed on the side even when he was not around.

During Kohli's tenure, India won 40 matches and lost 17, with 11 ending in draws out of the 68 Tests they played.

This time around, Kohli will tour Australia under longtime India colleague Rohit Sharma 's captaincy.

The Aussies have failed to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy since their last series victory in 2014-15 at home. The Indians have claimed the title on four successive instances since then, winning twice each at home and away. 

(With PTI inputs)