Tim Southee credits pitch conditions after dismissing Virat Kohli for record 9th time

Till recently, Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa made the headlines for having dismissed India captain Virat Kohli a number of times. In the second ODI of the three-match series, veteran New Zealand pacer Tim Southee hogged the limelight for similar reasons.

The Black Caps speedster castled Kohli in the second ODI in Auckland to rattle India’s chase of the target of 274. It was the ninth time that Southee has got rid of the ace India batsman — the most by any bowler in international cricket.

Kohli’s exit eventually saw India losing the match by 22 runs and squandering the series. However, the 31-year-old Southee lived up to the Kiwis’ humbleness to say that he didn’t know about his feat and instead thanked the pitch conditions. The bowler was not cent per cent fit in the game but still claimed two wickets to contribute to his country’s much-needed win in the ODI series after the 0-5 humiliation in the T20Is.

“He is obviously a class player and doesn’t have many weaknesses. I think the wicket had a little bit of assistance with the new ball and if you put it in the right areas, there was enough there to ask a few questions. It is about assistance and the pitch conditions,” Southee said on the eve of the third ODI in Mount Maunganui on Tuesday.

‘Kohli is exceptional while chasing’: Tim Southee

“It is your job to take wickets…And Virat is a great player and he has been in great form. Especially in run chases he is exceptional, so I guess it’s always nice to see the back of him. I didn’t know that was the mos,” Southee, who faced flak after having failed to defend his team in the super overs in two back-to-back T20Is against India, added.

Southee has a sea of experience as he has picked 538 wickets across 71 Tests, 142 ODIs and 71 T20Is since making his debut in 2008. His opening partnership with Trent Boult is considered one of the game’s most accomplished one.

Southee also praised debutant Kylie Jamieson who excelled both with the bat and ball and was adjudged the man of the match in Auckland. According to him, the Black Caps’ series win over India in the 50-over format shouldn’t be a surprise saying they have been playing well in the format for some time now. New Zealand came very close to winning the World Cup title in 2015 and 2019 but lost on both occasions.

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