India and New Zealand are up against each other for a five-match ODI series. The second ODI match is set to be played on Saturday 7th November in Wellington, as the Men in Blue have already taken a 0-1 lead after winning the first match by 5 wickets. Ahead of the second game, Blair Tickner shared his experience of playing against Virat Kohli.

The Men in Blue dominated the T20I series and then started the ODI series similarly despite an inexperienced pace bowling attack. Shubman Gill’s side did well and would like to continue the same at least for the rest of the two games and win the ODI series for the first time since the 2018/19 season in New Zealand.

"It’s an awesome opportunity": Blair Tickner on playing against Virat Kohli

While speaking to the media ahead of the second ODI, Kiwi pacer Blair Tickner shared his insights on playing against Virat Kohli. He revealed that it was a brilliant experience to bowl to Virat Kohli and play against the former India captain. Tickner also wants to dismiss the batter early on in the second game.

“Yeah, he’s obviously going all right. With a small total, he came out and put pressure on us. We looked to take wickets, but he did really well. We still back ourselves and our skills to obviously get him out. But yeah, it’s an awesome opportunity to play against him, and hopefully we can get one over him soon,” Tickner said ahead of the second ODI.

Virat Kohli's recent form

Virat Kohli has been in sublime form despite playing only one format, which is ODIs. He has been one of the leading run-getters for the Men in Blue in this calendar year in this format. The former captain showcases amazing energy on the field and has been at his peak in terms of athleticism despite turning 38 a day back.

Kohli played a superb knock in the first game, scoring 74 runs off 51 deliveries, where the conditions were a bit bouncy, and the ball was also moving. He could have scored a hundred in the match if it were a full game and not a rain-curtailed match where the target was revised as per the DLS method.

"Loved to score more runs": Blair Tickner backs New Zealand batter after collapse in 1st ODI

Further, while speaking on the batting collapse, Blair Tickner stated that they will have to score more runs in order to put pressure, as the pacer was the highest scorer with 34 runs, and the home side were bundled out for 185 runs. He also stated the importance of Devon Conway, who has been ruled out of the series.

“Obviously, you’d have loved to score more runs and put a little bit more pressure on them… we know that we didn’t get enough runs and with the ball we can be even better,” he added.

“Yeah, he’s been massive for us, obviously. Crazy event at training, but we’re bringing in Kelly, another great player. So it just gives opportunity to other players to stand up like we have throughout. He’s been a few injuries around the last couple of years, but seems every time we have another player come in, they do well. So great opportunity for Nick,” he said.

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