Ricky Ponting Hails Virat Kohli as the Greatest 50-Overs Player

Published on: February 26, 2025

Ricky Ponting Hails Virat Kohli as the Greatest 50-Overs Player

Ricky Ponting Hails Virat Kohli as the Best ODI Batter He Has Ever Seen

Former Australian captain and legendary cricketer Ricky Ponting has showered praise on Indian batting superstar Virat Kohli, calling him the best 50-over player he has ever seen. Kohli’s stellar century against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was not only a match-winning knock but also a historic milestone in his career. With this century, he surpassed Ponting on the list of all-time highest run-scorers in international cricket, further solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest batsmen in the game’s history.

Kohli’s Match-Winning Century Against Pakistan

The much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash took place on February 23, 2025, in Dubai, a high-pressure match that never fails to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, managing to put up a competitive total of 241 runs in 49.4 overs. The Men in Green’s batting lineup saw notable contributions from Saud Shakeel (62 runs), Mohammad Rizwan (46 runs), and Khushdil Shah (38 runs), helping them post a defendable total against their arch-rivals.

India’s chase, however, was once again anchored by none other than Virat Kohli. The veteran batter, often scrutinized for his form, silenced critics with a flawless, unbeaten century—100 off 111 balls*. His composed innings ensured India comfortably chased down the target, securing a crucial victory in the tournament.

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Kohli Surpasses Ponting in All-Time Run-Scorer List

This century wasn’t just another match-winning knock for Kohli; it was a significant moment in cricket history. With this ton, Kohli surpassed Ricky Ponting on the list of all-time highest run-scorers in international cricket. The former Australian captain acknowledged this milestone and expressed admiration for Kohli’s relentless pursuit of greatness.

Speaking on the ICC Review Podcast, Ponting emphasized Kohli’s incredible work ethic and hunger for runs. He believes that Kohli has the best chance to retire as the all-time leading run-scorer in ODI cricket, a record currently held by the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

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“With someone like Virat, you never write him off, because I’m sure he’d be motivated by that [achieving the record]. Now that he’s gone past me and only two ahead of him, I’m sure he wants to give himself the best chance to be remembered as the all-time leading run scorer in the game,” Ponting said.

He further added, “As long as the hunger’s there, obviously, physically wise, he’s probably as fit as he’s ever been and works exceptionally hard on that side of his game. So, if the hunger’s still there, then I’m never going to write him off.”

Kohli’s Fitness and Dedication: A Key to Longevity

One of the biggest factors contributing to Kohli’s sustained success is his incredible fitness and commitment to his physical well-being. At 36, Kohli continues to display the same level of agility, stamina, and strength that he did in his prime years. Ponting, who has witnessed Kohli’s growth as a player over the years, highlighted this aspect as a crucial reason why the Indian batter remains a force to be reckoned with.

Kohli has often credited his fitness regimen for his ability to maintain peak performance. His dedication to staying in top shape has helped him avoid major injuries and continue playing at the highest level. Ponting believes that this discipline will allow Kohli to keep competing at an elite level for years to come.

“He’s probably as fit as he’s ever been and works exceptionally hard on that side of his game,” Ponting remarked, emphasizing that as long as Kohli’s hunger for runs remains, he will keep setting new records.

The Race to Surpass Sachin Tendulkar

With 51 ODI centuries to his name, Kohli is inching closer to breaking Tendulkar’s all-time record in the format. Currently, Kohli stands just 149 runs away from surpassing Kumar Sangakkara on the list of highest ODI run-scorers.
While this milestone is imminent, the real challenge lies in chasing down Sachin Tendulkar’s record of 18,426 runs in ODIs, a feat that many once considered impossible.

Ponting acknowledged the difficulty of this challenge but expressed confidence in Kohli’s ability to achieve it. He stated:

“I know he’s nice and close to Sangakkara now. I don’t think it’s going to be long, maybe the next game before he goes past Sangakkara. But still, a little way to go to catch Sachin. He’s obviously been a champion player for a long, long time. And particularly, probably in the white-ball formats where he’s been an unbelievably good 50-over player.”

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“Big Games Equal Big Names”: Kohli’s Ability to Shine Under Pressure

One of the defining characteristics of Virat Kohli’s career has been his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His match-winning century against Pakistan in Dubai was yet another example of his knack for stepping up when it matters the most.

Ponting was not surprised by Kohli’s heroics, emphasizing that great players thrive in big moments. He explained that high-pressure matches define a player’s legacy, and Kohli has consistently delivered in these situations throughout his career.

“Look, I’ve always said big games equal big names. You need your big names to stand up in those big moments. And no bigger game for India than a game against Pakistan,” Ponting said.

Comparing it to the fierce Australia-England rivalry, Ponting explained how a player’s reputation is built by performances in these high-stakes encounters.

“Your reputation is forged in what you do in the biggest contests on the international stage. And no bigger moment than Sunday night when Pakistan had batted first on a tricky wicket. It needed someone at the top of the order to play a match-winning innings like that. And once again, it was Kohli to get the job done,” he added.

Kohli’s Impact on Indian Cricket and ODI Legacy

Virat Kohli’s influence on Indian cricket extends beyond statistics and records. His unmatched consistency, mental toughness, and ability to lead by example have made him one of the most revered figures in the game. Since making his international debut in 2008, Kohli has redefined batting in ODIs with his ability to chase targets with ease.

Under his leadership, India achieved remarkable success in white-ball cricket, and even after stepping down as captain, he remains the team’s backbone. His ability to build innings, adapt to different match situations, and dominate bowling attacks has set him apart from his peers.

Ponting’s acknowledgment of Kohli as the best 50-over player he has ever seen is a testament to his greatness. Coming from a two-time World Cup-winning captain, this statement holds immense significance and further cements Kohli’s legacy in ODI cricket.

Conclusion: Kohli’s Journey Towards Cricketing Immortality

As Virat Kohli continues to scale new heights, the cricketing world watches with keen interest. With his fitness, hunger, and unwavering determination, there is no doubt that he has the potential to surpass Tendulkar’s record and become the highest run-scorer in ODI history.

For now, his match-winning century against Pakistan has once again proven why he is considered the greatest ODI player of his generation. With Ricky Ponting himself acknowledging his brilliance, Kohli’s journey toward cricketing immortality seems inevitable.

Whether he surpasses Tendulkar’s record or not, one thing remains certain—Virat Kohli’s impact on the game of cricket will be remembered for generations to come.