Cricket News
Ricky Ponting makes massive statement on Virat Kohli after his record-equaling century vs South Africa
Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has heaped lavish praise on Virat Kohli after the latter’s 101 not-out. The knock came against South Africa during India’s 243-run win on Sunday in Kolkata. It was a special century for Virat Kohli as he now equalled Sachin Tendulkar’s most centuries in the ODI cricket record.
It was an emotional moment for Virat Kohli who has time and again spoken about his admiration for Sachin Tendulkar. What made more the feat so special was that it was achieved on Virat Kohli’s 35th birthday.
The Indian team and Virat Kohli will next be playing against the Netherlands team on the 12th of November. The match will end India’s league phase campaign which has seen them top the points table and enter the semi-finals.
Ricky Ponting hails sensational Virat Kohli –
After watching Virat Kohli score 101 not out to notch up his 49th century, Ricky Ponting was all in praise for the 35-year-old. The former Aussie skipper said “There is no doubt that he is the absolute best, and I have said that for a long time. He didn’t need to equal Sachin’s record, he didn’t need to break the record. If you look at his overall batting record it is incredible”
Virat Kohli came into the ODI World Cup 2023 with 47 ODI centuries. He got to his 48th ton against Bangladesh in Pune before missing his 49th ton against New Zealand in Dharamshala by 5 runs.
Ricky Ponting further said “The 49th century might be a bit of a monkey off his back. I think he has been working extra hard to equal Sachin’s record. That’s done now, and it has happened at a really good time of the tournament for him. One more game to go, and they head into the semi-finals. It was almost a perfect day for Virat and a great day for India”
The Indian bowling came to fore the fore yet again to bowl out South Africa for a paltry 83. Ravindra Jadeja ended the day with figures of 5/33 which is his best figures for India in the fifty-over format. The Australian great praised the Indian bowlers wholeheartedly complimenting them for their efforts during the ODI World Cup 2023 tournament.
