Ponting Kohli web ST

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Amid all the criticism surrounding him, former India captain Virat Kohli has found some backing from Ricky Ponting. The former Australia captain has heaped praise on Kohli and has said that he still fears an opposition team with Virat Kohli in it. Ponting also suggested that Kohli should be backed rather than being made to feel insecure about his place in the team.

Talking about the slump in form for Kohli, Ponting said that he will still prefer a team that doesn’t have Virat Kohli in it. "I think if I was an opposition captain or an opposition player, I will be fearing playing an Indian team that has Virat Kohli in it, more than I would be one that doesn't have him in it," Ponting said in the latest episode of The ICC Review.

The former Australia captain further elaborated on Kohli’s struggles and pointed out that the Indian batting stalwart is not the first to go through such a phase. Ponting also assured everyone that it’s just a matter of time before Kohli is back in form.

"I know there have been some challenges for him, it's been a difficult time. But every great player that I have seen in this game has been through it at some stage, whether that's a batsman or a bowler, they have all been through it. And somehow, the best (players) find a way to rebound and respond, and it's only a matter of time before Virat does that," he added.

They should be trying to help him out: Ponting

The former Australia captain who won two World Cups for his country and was known for standing by his teammates suggested the Indian team management stand by Kohli and find ways to help him out. Ponting also suggested that Kohli should be given a permanent spot in the team as moving him around will make him worried.

"Moving him around will make him feel that people are worried about him, and he will be more unsettled. I will be going the other way. I'll be telling him, 'This is your spot, this is where you're batting, it's not going to change. Keep believing in yourself, keep putting in the hard work, keep believing what made you the best player in the world for a number of years -- get back to those thoughts and the runs will come'," he added.