New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has heaped praise on Indian batsman Virat Kohli, hailing him as the best player in the modern game. After New Zealand’s loss to India by 70 runs in the World Cup 2023 semi-final, Williamson commended Kohli’s outstanding batting performance in the tournament, particularly in the semi-final held in Mumbai.
In that game, Kohli played an important role, scoring his 50th ODI century and surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar’s tally in ODI cricket. His impressive knock of 117 runs in 113 balls laid the foundation for India’s sensational total of 397/4. Speaking about Kohli’s achievement, Williamson expressed the difficulty in putting into words the significance of scoring 50 ODI hundreds, emphasizing that it was indeed a special feat.
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According to Williamson, Kohli is not just the best in the modern game but is somehow getting even better. Kohli’s exceptional performance in the World Cup 2023 includes three centuries, marking a career-best tally for the senior Indian batter. Additionally, Kohli became the first player to amass 700 runs in a single edition of the tournament, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s previous record of 673 runs set in 2003.
During the press conference following New Zealand’s defeat, Williamson acknowledged Kohli’s greatness, stating, “He seems to be getting better, which is a worry for opposition all around the world, but you admire it. It’s incredible really. Although tough to be on the other side of it today, I think in time to come, well it probably won’t take too long, they were outstanding, you actually just admire his greatness, and yeah, he’s just getting better that guy.”
Despite the loss, Williamson also touched upon New Zealand’s campaign in the tournament, praising the team’s spirited performance despite facing challenges with injuries. He hinted that the core group of players, often referred to as the “golden generation” of New Zealand cricket, might continue playing in upcoming tournaments like the 2024 T20 World Cup or the Champions Trophy in 2025, hosted by Pakistan.
Williamson emphasized the ongoing effort within the team to improve and push boundaries. Regarding senior players like Trent Boult, Tim Southee, and Tom Latham, he highlighted their leadership qualities and expressed gratitude for their contributions. The New Zealand captain mentioned the importance of passing on knowledge and experience to younger members of the team to ensure the continuous growth and success of the squad.
In conclusion, Kane Williamson’s praise for Virat Kohli’s excellence and his acknowledgment of the challenges faced by New Zealand reflect the sportsmanship and camaraderie within the cricketing community. Despite the defeat, Williamson remains optimistic about the team’s future and the contributions of their experienced players.
