Tim Southee targeting to dismiss Virat Kohli a record 10 times at Bay Oval

Debasis Sen, Mt Maunganui: BlackCaps bowler Tim Southee may not have the express pace like Trent Boult or Dale Steyn, but when it comes to getting the best batsman of modern era Virat Kohli out, he ranks on top of the list. Southee has so far claimed Virat’s wicket a record nine times across formats, making him the most successful bowler against the Indian captain.

During the 2nd ODI at Eden Park, Southee went through the defenses of Indian captain, rattling the stumps behind. It was the sixth time Southee snared Kohli in ODIs, equalling West Indies seamer Ravi Rampaul atop the charts, and moved Southee past England’s James Anderson as the most successful to Kohli across the formats.

On being asked about the secret of getting Kohli dismissed on so many occasions, Southee said, “He’s obviously a class player and doesn’t have many weaknesses. The wicket offered a little bit of assistance with the new ball and if you got it in the right area there was enough there to ask a few questions.”

Talking about getting the key opponent batsman out so many times, Southee said, “I guess it’s your job to take wickets and it’s always nice when you get the key players in the opposition out. He’s a great player and been in great form, especially in run chases he’s been exceptional. It’s always nice to see the back of him.”

Ranked No 1 in the world in test and ODI cricket, Kohli hasn’t really fired yet in New Zealand by his prolific standards, as the first test in Wellington looms next Friday.

Kohli scored 105 runs at 26.25, strike rate 131, in the T20 series before notching his top score of the tour, 51 off 63 balls, in the first ODI in Hamilton.

Most dismissals of Virat Kohli across formats:

Tim Southee (NZ) 9, James Anderson (England) 8, Graeme Swann (England) 8, Morne Morkel (South Africa) 7, Nathan Lyon (Australia) 7, Rampaul 7, Zampa 7.