Ricky Ponting excludes Virat Kohli from ‘Fab Four’
Ponting noted that the "Fab Four" had changed, noting Root's 19 centuries in four years while Smith and Williamson stayed consistent
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has left Virat Kohli out of the modern Test cricket “Fab Four,” ranking Joe Root, Kane Williamson, and Steve Smith ahead of him. Once considered the standout batter of his generation, Kohli’s recent dip in form has led Ponting to reconsider his place among the elite.
Ponting, a two-time World Cup-winning captain, acknowledged Kohli’s past dominance but suggested that his current performances no longer warrant inclusion in the prestigious group.
“Five or six years ago, the Fab Four included Kohli, Root, Williamson, and Smith. But things have changed. Joe Root has scored 19 centuries in the last four years, while Smith and Williamson have remained consistent,” Ponting told The Sydney Morning Herald.
He further stated, “If you ask an Englishman, they’ll say Root; if you ask an Aussie, they’ll say Smith; and if you ask a Kiwi, they’ll say Williamson. Based purely on numbers, it’s difficult to argue against Smith’s achievements.”
Ponting’s remarks come after Steve Smith became the latest Australian to surpass 10,000 runs in Test cricket, joining the ranks of Ricky Ponting, Allan Border, and Steve Waugh.
Smith, with 35 Test centuries, is now just one behind Joe Root (36) and ahead of Kane Williamson (33), while Kohli lags with 30. Additionally, Smith has been highly successful in overseas conditions, amassing over 4,500 runs at an average of 54.60 in away Tests.
