There are similarities between Virat Kohli and Ricky Ponting's captaincy in ODIs, according to a former Australian all-rounder, who was part of the 2003 World Cup winning side. India are now gearing up to play in the ICC World Cup 2019 in England and Wales
New Delhi: Virat Kohli has enjoyed success at the international stage not only as a batsman but with his captaincy as well. Now, he is gearing up to show his leadership skills in the ICC World Cup 2019 and help India secure their third silverware at the game’s biggest tournament.
Ahead of the World Cup in England and Wales, former Australian all-rounder Andy Bichel described Kohli’s ODI captaincy similar to that of Ricky Ponting.
Also read: Full schedule of India matches at World Cup with start times, live TV, streaming info
“Ya, definitely,” Bichel told MyNation in an exclusive interview in New Delhi on Monday (May 20) when asked whether he sees any similarity between Kohli and Ponting’s leadership.
Bichel, who was part of the Ponting-led Australia’s 2003 World Cup winning squad, continued, “They (Kohli and Ponting) are like clones to me. They wear their hearts on the sleeve, they want to be the men who want to change the game, and they want to be the men who take the game deep. Virat has got the cricket brain to facilitate every game meticulously and match-ups with the opposition and use his players at the right time. India, for me, they have been gifted with players to come into the team and do a job. And, that is what they have done. MS (Dhoni) has had the luxury of some real talent.”
Also read: Highest-ever prize money awaits World Cup 2019 champions
The 48-year-old Bichel, who will be part of ‘Power Sportz’ live web TV for its special World Cup programme, said Kohli has to his resources well in order to succeed in the 10-team tournament, which starts on May 30.
“Going into this World Cup, with the boundary sizes, the powerplays, the way the game is played, and the 50-over game is quite fascinating, you need the captain to get your plays and match-ups right and that will be a test of Virat's captaincy. He has to use his resources well. MS has been there for a very very long time. Virat has a player to lean on. Injecting Bumrah, Kuldeep into the attack at the right time, will play heavily on Virat's performance in this World Cup,” Bichel opined.
Also read: All the 10 squads for World Cup 2019
When asked whether Kohli would ended up as the highest run scorer of World Cup 2019, just like Sachin Tendulkar did in 2003, he backed the right-hander if the pitches are flat and ball doesn’t swing.
“It depends on the conditions. We all know that Virat can get out to the swinging ball, wide of the off stump, when he tries to free his hands and hit through the off-side. If the conditions are flat, he could do that. No problem. If it starts swinging, he needs to be more disciplined. We know there is a little problem there for Virat (in handling the swinging ball) and Sachin had the same problem too. But balls are changed now, the balls are getting better, they do swing a little bit more. And, we will see that this time,” he said.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.