Ponting Proposes New Role for Kohli at T20 World Cup

### Ponting Proposes Key Role for Kohli at T20 World Cup

Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has shared his insights on how India might utilize Virat Kohli in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The ICC Hall of Famer believes Kohli should be the first name on India’s team sheet and has specific ideas about his batting position.

As the Men’s T20 World Cup approaches, there is significant excitement regarding the Indian team's selections and strategies. Fans and experts are eagerly discussing who should be included in the playing XI for the tournament opener against Ireland in New York on June 5.

### Ponting on Kohli's Role and Strike Rate at T20 World Cup

While Virat Kohli has excelled as an opener for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the ongoing Indian Premier League, amassing a tournament-best 708 runs from 14 innings, there have been concerns about his strike rate at the top of the order.

Australia legend Ricky Ponting, a three-time ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup winner, acknowledges the shift in cricketing priorities from averages to strike rates. Despite this change, Ponting believes Kohli remains crucial to India’s success.

“The mantra three or four years ago was ensuring that someone at the top of the order made 80 or 100, even if it took 60 balls. It didn't really matter,” Ponting told the ICC. “Now, the game is shifting towards a strike rate-based approach, where you can have a massive impact with a 40 off 15 balls rather than an 80 off 55 balls.”

### Ponting Suggests Opening Role for Kohli at T20 World Cup

Although Virat Kohli has mainly batted at No. 3 for India in T20 internationals, Ricky Ponting believes the 35-year-old would be best utilized as an opener alongside captain Rohit Sharma at the upcoming T20 World Cup.

“They (selectors) have a decision to make because Yashasvi Jaiswal is in the squad, and one thing they lack is left-hand batters,” Ponting observed.

“However, I'm confident they will opt for Kohli and Rohit Sharma as openers,” he added.

### Ponting Confident in Kohli's Impact at T20 World Cup

Ricky Ponting is once again backing Virat Kohli to shine at the upcoming T20 World Cup.

"It's funny with Virat. I think people in India always try to find a reason not to pick him or to suggest he's not as good as some other T20 players," Ponting remarked.

"For me, Kohli is the first pick for India. He can excel at the top, especially with the right players around him. With Suryakumar Yadav and Rohit Sharma, who have high strike rates, others can play their natural game while Kohli anchors the innings," Ponting added.

### Ponting Highlights Kohli's Big-Match Brilliance for T20 World Cup

Virat Kohli was the leading run-scorer at the last Men’s T20 World Cup, delivering crucial performances such as his unbeaten 82 against Pakistan and a solid 50 against England in the semi-finals.

Ricky Ponting attributes Kohli’s knack for excelling in high-stakes matches as a key factor in his favor.

"I remember discussing for the ICC how there was some talk about leaving Virat out of the team last year. But when the big games came around, he was the one who delivered," Ponting noted.

"You can't replace class and experience like that," he added.