'These guys are too nice to think of a revenge' - Virat Kohli on facing New Zealand after World Cup 2019 defeat

Team India are all set to kickstart their tour of New Zealand with a five-match T20I series starting at the Eden Park in Auckland. And, it is unfathomable to think that just four days ago the Men in  Blue were involved in an ODI series at home against the Australians.

This is the second consecutive time that the Men in Blue are travelling to New Zealand at this time of the year. Last year, Virat Kohli and his side travelled to New Zealand for a five-match ODI series followed by three T20Is. And, while Team India won the ODI series 4-1, they proceeded to lose the T20I rubber 1-2. And, Kohli knows just how good the Kiwis are in their own backyard.

“You have to play good cricket to win. know what they bring to the table while playing at home. We are not going to take them for granted. They know their conditions well, they understand how the pitches play, the angles off the field. They will have a slight home advantage. But we have also played here a lot. So we definitely have to be at our best,” Kohli added.

Revenge not really in the mind of Virat Kohli and Co

The last time India and New Zealand locked horns on an international stage, no Indian fan can ever forget the heartbreak that engulfed the nation post the semi-final defeat. So, is revenge at the back of the mind for Kohli and his men? Virat Kohli thinks the Kiwis are too nice to stage a revenge against.

“Not really. Even if you want to think of revenge these guys are so nice that you cant get into that zone. It’s all about being competitive on the field. They are one side that has set the right example for teams to carry themselves on the international stage. We were actually happy for them when they qualified for World Cup finals. When you have lost you have to look at the larger picture. So nothing about revenge” Kohli alluded.

Meanwhile, history beckons for Team India in New Zealand as they have a chance to do what no other Indian side has done in the past- Win a T20I series on New Zealand soil.

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