Virat Kohli's Test captaincy played a big role in Indian cricket's turnaround: Ricky Ponting LAUDS star player

Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting lavished huge praise on Virat Kohli for revolutionising Test cricket in India during his captaincy stint. Ponting believes Kohli's start of Test captaincy played a huge role in the turnaround of Indian cricket in Tests. Notably, Kohli led India in whites from 2015-2022. He ended with 40 wins in 68 Tests; becoming the most successful Indian captain in whites. His tenure included a Test series win in Australia, first-ever by an Asian side, and some more memorable wins in England and South Africa.

Ponting, while talking to Sky Sports, stated that under Kohli India became a dominant and fearless force while playing overseas Tests and their fast-bowling flourished as well.

'THE INFLUENCE OF SOMEONE LIKE KOHLI...'

Punter, a veteran of 168 Tests, 375 ODIs and 17 T20Is, said, "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."

Rohit Sharma-led India will commence their hectic Test season with two Tests versus Bangladesh, starting Sep 19, which will be followed by three Tests versus New Zealand at home before travelling to Australia for a five-match series. During India's last Test tour of Australia, Kohli was their captain but he left after the first Test loss, in Adelaide, due to paternity leave.

Despite the absence of Kohli, India, under Ajinkya Rahane, stunned one and all by staging a remarkable comeback and winning the four-match Test series 2-1. The last Test was held at The Gabba, Brisbane- Australia's fortress for 32 years - but Rahane & Co. beat Australia by three wickets in pursuit of 324.

Recalling India's famous Gabba win, Ponting pointed out the change in mindset and the fearless approach of the Indian team.

"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," he said.

In addition, Ponting stated that IPL played a huge role in making the Indian players fearless and ready for the big stage.

"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.