When Australian legend Ricky Ponting says Virat Kohli is the better cricketer, the cricketing world pays attention. In early 2025, Ponting declared Kohli “the best 50-over player I have ever seen.” That statement carries weight coming from a man who has lifted three World Cups and faced the greatest bowlers of his generation.
But what makes Ponting so certain? Let’s explore his reasoning, the stats behind it, and why comparisons across eras are more complex than they seem.
Ponting’s Praise: What He Really Meant
On the ICC Review podcast, Ponting spoke with rare admiration. He praised Kohli’s consistency, fitness, and hunger for runs. According to him, few players sustain elite performance for so long while handling modern cricket’s relentless schedule.
Ponting said plainly, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a better 50-overs player than Virat Kohli.” He also emphasized that while comparisons to legends like Sachin Tendulkar are inevitable, it’s best to judge Kohli’s full legacy once his career concludes.
Kohli vs. Ponting: The ODI Numbers (As of February 2025)
| Statistic | Virat Kohli | Ricky Ponting |
| Matches | 274 | 375 |
| Runs | 12,898 | 13,704 |
| Average | 57.32 | 42.03 |
| Centuries | 46 | 30 |
| Half-Centuries | 65 | 82 |
| Strike Rate | 93.62 | 80.39 |
| Highest Score | 183 | 164 |
Image source: Hindustan Times
Even with fewer matches, Kohli’s average and conversion rate stand out. He turns half-centuries into hundreds at a rate unmatched by most modern players. Ponting, while a powerhouse in his era, didn’t maintain such consistency across formats.
Why Ponting Rates Kohli Higher
1. Relentless Consistency
Kohli’s hallmark is his reliability. Year after year, he anchors India’s innings, often rescuing tough chases with clinical precision. His ability to convert fifties into centuries mirrors the best of Tendulkar’s finishing instincts.
2. Fitness and Longevity
Ponting highlighted Kohli’s physical discipline as a key differentiator. Even at 36, Kohli remains one of the fittest athletes in world cricket—proof of his professionalism and dedication to longevity.
3. Composure in Big Games
Whether it’s a World Cup semifinal or a tense run chase, Kohli thrives under pressure. Ponting, who built his career on similar temperament, recognizes that rare mental strength.
4. Numbers That Speak for Themselves
A batting average above 57 in ODIs is extraordinary. Kohli’s dominance across different conditions—spinning tracks, fast wickets, and swinging conditions—illustrates all-round mastery few can match.
The Era Factor: Why Comparisons Are Difficult
Image source: Cricket Country
Ponting often cautions against comparing players from different eras. The game has evolved—rules, conditions, and equipment all play a role.
- Rule Changes: Powerplays, shorter boundaries, and fielding restrictions have made scoring easier in recent years.
- Opposition Variety: Modern cricketers face more teams and formats, adding both opportunities and challenges.
- Technology and Analytics: Kohli benefits from data-driven preparation unavailable in Ponting’s time.
- Match Volume: Ponting played in a less congested schedule, while Kohli manages multiple formats and tournaments annually.
Despite these changes, Ponting believes the essence of greatness—discipline, adaptability, and hunger—remains timeless, and Kohli embodies it fully.
Strengths Compared
| Category | Kohli | Ponting |
| Conversion of 50s to 100s | Exceptional | Moderate |
| Batting Average | Superior | Solid |
| Consistency in Run Chases | Remarkable | Excellent |
| Big-Match Temperament | Proven | Proven |
| Leadership Record | Mixed Success | Outstanding (World Cups 2003, 2007) |
| Adaptability | High | High |
| Longevity | Ongoing | Legendary |
Kohli’s superior averages and conversions give him the statistical edge. Ponting, however, remains one of the greatest captains and a symbol of dominance during an era rich in fast bowling talent.
Ponting’s Perspective: Respect Between Legends
Image source: Moneycontrol
Ponting’s acknowledgment isn’t just about numbers—it’s about character. He recognizes in Kohli the same traits that defined his own career: drive, discipline, and obsession with winning.
He’s also aware that every era has its heroes. By calling Kohli the best ODI player he’s seen, Ponting honors the modern evolution of cricket without undermining the legends who came before.
In essence, Ponting’s praise isn’t a comparison—it’s an acknowledgment of continuity in cricketing excellence.
Expert View: Kohli’s Modern Legacy
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Cricket analysts agree that Kohli’s record redefines consistency in modern ODIs. He combines technique, mental resilience, and fitness discipline to stay competitive across formats. His influence extends beyond numbers—shaping the next generation’s mindset toward preparation and performance.
Even as T20 and franchise leagues shift priorities, Kohli’s classical approach to 50-over cricket stands as a reminder of what true craftsmanship looks like. That’s perhaps why Ponting’s words resonate: it’s one legend recognizing another’s enduring legacy.
FAQs
Q1: Did Ponting really say Kohli is better than him?
Yes. Ponting stated that Virat Kohli is “the best 50-over player” he has ever seen—implicitly ranking Kohli above himself in ODIs.
Q2: Is Kohli statistically ahead of Ponting?
In key metrics like batting average and centuries, yes. Kohli’s conversion rate and average surpass Ponting’s by a wide margin.
Q3: Does Ponting think Kohli is better than Sachin Tendulkar?
Ponting avoided that claim, saying such comparisons should be made after Kohli retires.
Q4: What makes Kohli’s career special?
His unmatched consistency, chase mastery, and physical fitness make him the benchmark for modern batting.
Q5: How many ODI runs does Kohli need to pass Tendulkar?
As of 2025, he’s roughly 4,000 runs short—but still has time to chase it down if fitness holds.
Final Thoughts: Two Eras, One Spirit
When Ponting rates Kohli a better cricketer, it’s not about rivalry—it’s about respect. Kohli’s records and work ethic embody what every top player strives for: sustained greatness.
Ponting’s acknowledgment is a passing of the torch between two eras—one that dominated through grit and another that thrives on science, discipline, and precision.
At its core, cricket evolves, but excellence looks the same—effortless, disciplined, and hungry for more.
Feature image source: Times of India
