As India prepares for a high-profile five-match Test series in Australia to conclude their cricketing year, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has provided insights into India’s recent success on the world stage. Speaking on Sky Sports, Ponting attributed India’s consistent performance abroad, especially in Australia, to their strong leadership and improved adaptability in challenging conditions.
India’s Historic Wins in Australia
Historically, Indian cricket fans were accustomed to their team struggling in Australia, but that trend has reversed in the last decade. In the 2018/19 series, India made history by becoming the first Asian team to win a Test series in Australia. This victory came at a time when Australian cricket was still recovering from the infamous 2018 ball-tampering scandal.
India’s triumph in 2018/19 was followed by another remarkable victory in 2020/21. Despite numerous injuries and the absence of key players, India managed to retain the Border-Gavaskar Trophy by defeating a resilient Australian side on their home turf. These victories marked a significant shift in the narrative, as India had long struggled to win Test series in Australia.
Ricky Ponting’s Perspective on India’s Growth
Ricky Ponting highlighted how India’s batters have become more comfortable in overseas conditions. He noted that the Indian team’s ability to win at venues like the Gabba, traditionally a fortress for Australia, demonstrated their adaptability.
“They won a game at the Gabba, which just doesn’t happen. I think their batsmen 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,” Ponting remarked.
The Influence of the IPL on Indian Players
Ponting also pointed to the impact of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on younger players. The IPL’s high-pressure environment, he suggested, has made these players less fearful of big-stage situations. Having coached in the IPL for years, particularly with the Delhi Capitals, Ponting has observed firsthand how the tournament shapes the mental toughness of Indian cricketers.
“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 said.
India’s Fast-Bowling Revolution
A significant factor in India’s success, especially in overseas tours, has been the rise of their fast-bowling attack. Traditionally known for producing world-class spinners, India has seen a surge in fast-bowling talent over the last 15 years. Bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma have changed the dynamics of India’s pace attack. Ponting emphasized how important fast-bowling depth has been for India’s transformation.
“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,” Ponting explained.
Kohli’s Leadership and Legacy
Virat Kohli, who captained India from 2014 to 2022, played a pivotal role in changing India’s approach to Test cricket, particularly in overseas conditions. Under Kohli’s leadership, fast bowlers were prioritized, and a more aggressive mindset was encouraged. This focus on building a strong fast-bowling unit paid dividends during India’s overseas campaigns.
Ponting also praised current coach Rahul Dravid, who succeeded Ravi Shastri, for continuing Kohli’s approach in recent years. He pointed out that Kohli’s influence as a leader, combined with Dravid’s experience, has further strengthened the team.
“The influence of someone like that [Kohli] around a team would be great and they’ve got star players,” Ponting said.
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Looking Ahead to the Australia Tour
As India prepares to tour Australia at the end of 2024, expectations are high. The team has a track record of success Down Under, and the strong leadership instilled by Kohli, now carried forward by Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, remains a crucial factor in their chances of continuing their dominance in Australia. With a wealth of fast-bowling talent and batters accustomed to thriving in tough conditions, India is well-positioned for another historic series.
Ponting’s reflections on India’s evolution as a cricketing powerhouse underscore how far the team has come, with leadership, adaptability, and IPL-driven confidence playing vital roles in their journey. As the series against Australia looms, fans on both sides are eager to witness another thrilling chapter in the India-Australia rivalry.
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