New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said on Tuesday his team would primarily focus on how to “best combat” Indian captain Virat Kohli, when the two teams face each other in the upcoming five-match One Day International (ODI) series starting on Wednesday.

Expressing his admiration for Kohli, Williamson said, “Someone like Virat is certainly a player I admire and enjoy watching and he’s pushing the boundaries of the game so that’s brilliant.”

Advertisement

“He’s a respectful guy and I’ve known him for a very long time but as a player, obviously, word class and our focus is more about that and his cricketing ability and how we can combat him as best as we can,” said Williamson on the eve of first ODI of the five-match series.

Returning the compliment, the Indian skipper also heaped praised on the prolific Kane Williamson.

“He’s always a challenge to come up against and is someone who is most admired in terms of how he goes about his cricket and he’s formidable in his run scoring so he’s definitely a player of note to try to shut down.” Kohli said acknowledging Williamson’s achievements.

Virat Kohli also said the New Zealand captain was one of the best players in the world.

“Williamson is easily one of the best players in the world. So easy on the eye, great to watch and I personally enjoy his batting and when he is on song he is easily one of the most attractive batsmen to watch.”

The 30-year-old picked Williamson and Ross Taylor as the batsmen his team would look to dismiss cheaply.

“He is always going to be a solid player for NZ purely because of what all he has done over the years in all three formats.”

“He more or less makes the team win when he is scoring runs, so that tells you about his awareness about the game and hence he is leading the side and guiding it in the right direction. So Kane will be a factor but at the same time Rosco (Taylor) and other guys as well,” Kohli added.

“You can’t take anyone for granted and their batting revolves around Kane and Ross in ODIs especially, the other guys bat around them and we are aware of that and working on our plans,” Kohli said.

Speaking about the pitch at McLean Park, where the first ODI is scheduled, Williamson said it could aid batsmen.

“…So it’s important the batting group puts together a plan that is good but, at the same time, the bowlers have a massive role in that in trying to nullify the strengths in both oppositions.”