"Virat has been phenomenal, the number of runs he churns out is ridiculous" says Trent Boult

In a recent interview with The Telegraph, Trent Boult revealed his thoughts about Virat Kohli, former teammate Mustafizur Rehman and ex-Black Caps skipper Brendon McCullum. The left arm pacer who has been rather expensive in this season of the IPL has been a key bowler for his national team in all three format of the game.

Boult has taken over 190 wickets in 50 Test matches for his country. Also, in 48 ODIs he has taken as many as 87 wickets with the best figure of 6/33. However, he has never found a permanent place in the Sunrisers lineup especially after the arrival of Mustafizur in the Hyderabad team. Therefore, he was released by his franchise only to be bought again by Kolkata KnightRiders this season.

On being asked about the impact, former captain Brendon McCullum had on New Zealand Cricket, Trent Boult replied by saying that Baz’s role in his career had been tremendous as he played some of the best cricket under McCullum.

“I played my best cricket under Brendon and he’s surely been an inspiration… He’s a very busy man nowadays, playing in all the T20 leagues possible, but we’re able to see each other occasionally. (In the IPL, Brendon is wearing the Gujarat Lions colours)” as quoted as saying by telegraphindia.com.

On being asked about the progression of Indian skipper Virat Kohli towards greatness post-2015 World Cup, Boult went ahead and confirmed that the right-hander is in phenomenal form at the moment. The Northern District player also commented that the Indians have been playing well under Virat and the number of runs he churns out is ridiculous. However, Boult suggested the actual test for the team will arrive when they travel overseas.

“Virat has been phenomenal. The number of runs he churns out is ridiculous. It’s all about class… India have been doing very well under Virat. Now, of course, they need to take their best game overseas. To try and win in alien conditions. Winning overseas excites everyone and we, in New Zealand, get the most satisfaction when we win offshore.” said the left armer.

The 27- year old, who made a name for himself along with Kohli and Jadeja in the U-19 Wc in 2008, was later enquired about the Bangladeshi sensation who ruled in the previous edition of IPL, Mustafizur Rehman. To which, the Kiwi obliged by saying that Mustafizur made the scene his own internationally and the Bangladeshi must continue his good work with his subtle variations and guile.

“Quite phenomenal… Rahman just burst onto the scene. He’s clever and the slower ball is one of his main weapons. However, he needs to keep performing.” concluded Boult. The Kiwi would look to improve on his economy in the upcoming match against his previous franchise Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 15.