If THIS player has good World Cup, India will win: Ricky Ponting

Three-time World winner and Australia's best leader, Ricky Ponting believes if the Indian skipper Virat Kohli has a fine World Cup, India is going to have their hands on the coveted trophy. Ponting is currently with the IPL franchise Delhi Capitals (DC) and the preparations have already begun. In an exclusive interview with the Times of India (TOI), Ricky spoke about a lot of things.

When he was asked, who is better between Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, he said, "I don't think we can get to the conclusion till Virat's career is over. Only then will we have a clearer picture. Sachin is a legend. Yes, you can say Virat is piling up runs. His Test average is more than 50 (53.76). But Sachin maintained that (average) in 200 Tests. Virat's ODI record, though, is unbelievable. That's why I feel India are a very dangerous side. If Virat has a good World Cup, India will win."

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India was recently up against Australia in a couple of limited-overs series, and when every cricket pundit was expecting India to upstage Australia, the result was an absolute turnaround. The series was also expected to answer a few questions for the men-in-blue, one of which was 'Who will play at number four for India in the forthcoming World Cup?'

On this, Ponting said, "They tried a few even during the recent Australia series. Rayudu was there, Rishabh, Shankar. They could have also have tried Shreyas Iyer. He is a very good player. He has had a great domestic season. I am excited to catch up with him. It's an interesting conundrum; maybe, they can fit in KL Rahul in that spot."

He also named four teams who can reach the semi-finals. "England, India, Australia and maybe New Zealand. Of course, you never know what Pakistan and West Indies are gonna do!"

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ricky Ponting believes Virat Kohli can help India to win their third World cup title. 
• Ricky Ponting will be with the Australian team for the forthcoming World Cup. 
• Australia will be up against Pakistan in their last assignment before the most prestigious tournament.