Hopefully Kohli, Rohit dont score too many: New Zealand batters wish ahead of 2nd ODI against India
New Zealand batter Nick Kelly hopes the visitors manage to keep Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma quiet in the 2nd ODI against India in Rajkot on Wednesday.
New Zealand batter Nick Kelly hopes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma don't score big in the upcoming 2nd ODI against India at the Niranjan Shah Stadium in Rajkot on Wednesday. Both Kohli and Rohit have been in great form for India in ODIs and have been performing consistently in the only format that the duo remain active in.
While Rohit was dismissed cheaply on 26 in the first ODI between the two sides in Vadodara on Sunday, Kohli starred in India's successful 301-run chase with a composed knock of 93 runs, missing out on a well-deserved hundred. Both Rohit and Kohli have been unstoppable for the Men in Blue ever since making their international comeback last year.
There were questions regarding their long-term future with the ODI World Cup lined up next year, however, the dup have shut their critics in style by delivering match-winning performances consistently. Both senior batters will look to continue their stellar form in the 2nd ODI against the Kiwis in Rajkot on Wednesday.
With the series on the line for the visitors, New Zealand batter Kelly called Kohli and Rohit the world's best while speaking about the duo in the pre-match presser in Rajkot. However, he hoped the duo are kept quiet by the New Zealand bowlers in the must-win clash for them.
"Any time you get to come up against some of the world's best, it's obviously very exciting from a cricket fan's point of view. But I think the boys who are out there will be very excited. And hopefully they don't score too many runs," Kelly told reporters in the presser.
The 32-year-old was not part of New Zealand's playing XI in the first ODI against India last week. However, he said he is hoping for another cracking contest between the two teams after the series opener ended up being a close affair. India held their nerves in the run chase to secure a thrilling victory in the end.
"Yeah, obviously very exciting. The game a couple of days ago was very, very close. So it was good to get here today. And, you know, beautiful practice wicket. So hopefully another cracking game tomorrow," said Kelly.
India aim to seal series in 2nd ODI against New Zealand
Shubman Gill-led India will aim to clinch the three-match series with an unassailable 2-0 lead when they take on New Zealand in the 2nd ODI in Rajkot on Wednesday. India are setto make a forced change in their playing XI in the 2nd ODI after all-rounder Washington Sundar was ruled out due to an injury.
Sundar has been replaced by Ayush Badoni, however, it remains to be seen if the Delhi all-rounder will get a chance in the playing XI or the team team management will prefer Nitish Kumar Reddy in Sundar's absence.