Watch: Windies Coach Phil Simmons' Strong Response To Ricky Ponting's Kohli Remark, Passing Judgement On Ex-India Captain Taking Rest
Published - 22 Jul 2022, 02:36 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:10 AM
In response to Ponting’s remark on Kohli, West Indies coach Phil Simmons discussed the former Indian captain’s position in the team and offered his opinion on the batter’s decision to take a break during the limited-overs tour to the West Indies.
The recent remark made by Australian cricketing icon Ricky Ponting regarding former India captain Virat Kohli’s batting difficulties has gained widespread attention.
Ponting has gone against the grain to support Kohli, asserting that he would keep pushing the star batter because he understands the upside and that any opponent’s attack would sigh with relief if India decided to drop him. This is despite the veteran players questioning his place in the Indian team and the harsh criticism directed at his batting.
West Indies coach Phil Simmons responded to this by commenting on Kohli’s inclusion in the Indian team and expressing his opinion over the batter’s decision to take a break during the limited-overs tour of the West Indies.
Since November 23, 2019, a period of 78 innings, Kohli has gone 78 innings without registering a century for his country. He was able to hit at a strike rate that was among the lowest in his final IPL season, at 116. And Kohli managed to have a disappointing England tour upon his comeback to international cricket following a sabbatical due to the IPL. Ponting has supported him anyway.
I am not the coach of the Indian team: Phil Simmons
Vimal Kumar, a prominent sports journalist, questioned Phil Simmons about Ponting’s remark and how he might reply if he had been the coach of India. Simmons said, “Well, I am not the Indian team’s coach. That choice will fall to Rahul Dravid. There he is. If I were there, I would consider how I would approach the situation.”
Phil Simmons expressed displeasure at Kohli’s absence, saying, “I am not happy that guys are not there because you want to play against the top players and we all know that Virat’s record suggests that he is one of the best of all time. So sure, I am disappointed, and his presence would have been lovely. All the boys would have enjoyed the competition, I am sure.”
The cricketing community has been debating Virat’s performance recently, and several past greats have offered advice for the former Indian captain.
Also Read: Ricky Ponting Flag Concerns About The BBL As New T20 Leagues Emerge
