Ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, former Australia skipper Ricky Ponting showered praise on the Indian batters and said that they adapt to the overseas batting conditions very well.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ponting highlighted how the Indian batters no longer fear playing at venues like the Gabba or Optus Oval, as they once did. “They won a game at the Gabba, which rarely happens. I believe their batsmen adjust very well to foreign conditions. They’re not as intimidated by the Gabba or Optus Oval as they might have been in the past. It could be a selection strategy or simply that they no longer fear the big stage,” Ponting said.
Ponting attributed much of this confidence to the high-pressure environment of the Indian Premier League (IPL), which he compared to a World Cup for Indian players. “In the last decade of being around the IPL, I’ve noticed many young Indian players no longer fear the big moments. The IPL is like a World Cup for them. Their batsmen are aggressive stroke-makers who aren’t afraid of failure,” he added.
The two-time World Cup-winning captain also commended India’s bowling attack, particularly their depth in fast-bowling. “Their fast-bowling depth is impressive. The leadership over the last 6-7 years, starting with Kohli and continuing under Dravid, has played a major role in transforming Indian cricket. The presence of someone like Kohli in the team has been invaluable, and they have star players across the board,” Ponting said.
The Border-Gavaskar Trophy is set to begin on November 22 in Perth. India has dominated the last four series, including two landmark victories on Australian soil. With 10 titles to their name, India now leads the rivalry, while Australia has won the trophy five times, their last triumph coming in the 2014-15 series.
The second Test, a day-night encounter, will take place in Adelaide from December 6 to 10. The third Test will be held at The Gabba from December 14 to 18, followed by the iconic Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26 to 30. The series finale will be hosted at the Sydney Cricket Ground from January 3 to 7.