The three-time World Cup champion Ricky Ponting believes Virat Kohli has not changed his style. When Ponting was asked whether he saw the signs of greatness in Virat Kohli when he saw for the first time, Ponting said Kohli always had the hunger in him. Kohli has taken giant strides in the cricket world in the last decade.
The Indian skipper has worked hard for his success and he is now the best batsman in the world. Similarly, the Delhi Capitals head coach Ricky Ponting gave the example of Steven Smith. The talisman batsman came into the International level as a leg-spinner. However, Smith went on to work hard on his batting and he is also one of the best batsmen in the world.
Ricky Ponting said while talking to Cricbuzz, “I am not sure he (Virat) has changed his style. Steve Smith is exactly the same. Steve Smith didn’t turn into the player he is when he first came into the Australian team. He debuted as a leg-spinner that batted at No. 8”.
Ponting believes Steven Smith always had the talent in him to succeed at the topmost level. Most importantly, Steve Smith also worked hard to get to this level. In fact, it is well said by Tim Notke, “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard”. Consequently, it is crucial to work hard to succeed at the topmost stage.
Ricky Ponting went on to add, “At the same time, you talk about talent, you talk about greatness, we knew Steve Smith had talent because he would do little things with the bat that other guys wouldn’t. You throw him a bouncer in the nets and he would hit back like a tennis smash! We thought what is he doing, but he could do it, do things that were a bit different. Then he worked out a style of play that would stand up in Test cricket. He has done it and Virat has done it. More importantly, Virat has found a lifestyle to give himself the best chance to be the best player he can be”.
Virat Kohli and Steven Smith are unarguably the best batsmen in the world. Kohli has gained the lead in the recent past as Smith has been out of action because of his ban.
Kohli’s hunger for runs is insatiable and his consistency level knows no bounds. The Indian skipper has scored 41 ODI hundreds and Ponting believes Kohli’s success in the World Cup will be directly proportional to India’s success in the ODI showpiece. India will begin their World Cup campaign against South Africa at Southampton on June 5.