The upcoming three-match ODI series between India and New Zealand is highly anticipated by cricket fans. One of the key players for India in this series is none other than their ODI legend, Virat Kohli. The veteran batter has been in fine form lately, and his performance against spinners is particularly noteworthy.
Former Indian cricketer and current head coach of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Sanjay Bangar, was asked about Virat’s contest with New Zealand spinners Mitchell Santner and Ish Sodhi in the upcoming series. He refused to give much importance to the New Zealand spinners and stated that he doesn’t see them troubling Virat Kohli.
“Don’t talk about Santner and Ish Sodhi because we saw what Virat did to Rashid Khan in the Asia Cup. Wanindu Hasaranga and Theekshana tried their luck in the ODIs but failed in front of the modern-day great and failed miserably as he went on to score 2 centuries in the 3-match series,” Bangar said. He added that Virat is using his feet and playing well against the spinners and that he can play on the back foot and hit in the gaps.
It is worth noting that Virat has struggled against spinners in the past, but he has been able to overcome this weakness and has been performing well against them lately. In the recently concluded Sri Lanka series, Virat was at his best against Wanindu Hasaranga. He also played Rashid Khan well during the Asia Cup 2022.
Bangar believes that a different turn has come in Virat’s career and how he plays the spinner, and he does not see any bright signs for Santner and Sodhi. While Santner has dismissed Virat once in ODI cricket, Sodhi has got his wicket thrice.
Here are some fans tweets for Virat Kohli ahead of the New Zealand ODI Series:
74 international 100’s by Virat Kohli
— Haroon (@hazharoon) January 15, 2023
His hundreds vs opposition:
v Afghanistan: 1
v Australia: 15
v Bangladesh: 6
v England: 8
v New Zealand: 8
v Pakistan: 2
v South Africa: 7
v Sri Lanka: 15
v West Indies: 11
v Zimbabwe: 1#INDvSL #ViratKohli
Virat Kohli's highest scores in ODI's
— MANISH (@KuntasticAguero) January 15, 2023
183* Vs Pakistan 2012
160* Vs South Africa 2018
166* Vs Srilanka 2023
154* Vs New Zealand 2016
NOT FINISHED!pic.twitter.com/kqsKxSSjHC
The first ODI between India and New Zealand is set to take place on January 18th, 2023. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how Virat Kohli and the rest of the Indian team perform against the Kiwi spinners.
