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Speaking on cricket.com.au, the former Test skipper said the Queenslander would not only be the top scorer against India, but also the series player.
READ ALSO: Kohli and Shaw mark half-century touring match against CA XI
"He is at the top of his game and his track record in Australia is remarkable," said Ponting in Khawaja.
"The threat that Indian fast bowlers represent is as big as I think, he has a game that can stand him here in Australia, I'm going with him to be the top scorer and the man in the series."
The series of four tests begins in Adelaide on December 6th.
Ponting announced a 2-1 home-run result for the four-match test campaign, while suggesting that Khawaja and Josh Hazlewood would be the two best players.
Kohli's four centuries and 692 are 86.50 behind in the last Indian test tour of Australia four years ago. Steve Ponting is however the best choice. However, Ponting thinks that Khawaja's superb recent campaign against Pakistan prepares him to make an extra leap in the absence of Smith and David Warner.
"(Khawaja) is just going to chill Kohli," Ponting said.
"Kohli will play well, I'm sure, because he plays everywhere and had a nice run against Australia last time.
"Where they start, in Adelaide and Perth – they leave something in them, Kohli is a little more vulnerable in these conditions than Melbourne and Sydney."
He thought the home team drummers would come out better against the Indian pacers.
"Basically, it's a question of which team beats the best," Ponting said.
"The two fast bowling attacks are good, but I think our drummers will play better than their batters against ours.
"India must get off to a good start (in the series) .If they find themselves behind the first eight games, they could defend themselves and win a match against Sydney or Melbourne, but it will be too late."
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