Tim Southee delivers cold-blooded verdict on Virat Kohli-Rohit Sharma amidst India's Bengaluru humbling

Former New Zealand pacer Tim Southee heaped praise on ace Indian batter Virat Kohli ahead of the first Test match between the two teams. Tim Southee described Virat Kohli as a phenomenal player, adding that the Indian batter sets a very high standard and excels in all three formats of the game.

Tim Southee stepped down from captaincy in Test cricket before the Indian series. The veteran pace bowler resigned from his role after the 0-2 whitewash against Sri Lanka. He was appointed as Test captain in December 2022. Opening batter Tom Latham was named as full-time captain of the Test side.

Southee played a crucial role with the new ball during India's first innings at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The right-arm pacer triggered the collapse in India's innings by dismissing skipper Rohit Sharma for just two runs. However, Southee failed to pick up any further wickets in the first innings.

Virat Kohli Is A Phenomenal Player - Tim Southee

In a conversation with Vimal Kumar on the latter YouTube channel, Tim Southee spoke highly of Virat Kohli. Southee said that it is always a great challenge to compete against Kohli.

"Virat Kohli is a phenomenal player; his record speaks for itself - he sets the standard so high. He is so good in all three formats, as a bowler you want to compete against the best. It is always a great challenge against players like Virat," Southee told Vimal Kumar.

Kohli, who usually bats at No. 4, came to bat at No. 3 during the first Test in the absence of Shubman Gill, who was ruled out of the match due to a stiff neck. However, the batter failed to make any impact with the bat. He was dismissed by young fast bowler William O'Rourke without adding any score.

Virat Kohli Is Very Passionate About The Game - Tim Southee

Tim Southee highlighted that Virat is very passionate about cricket. Southee said that Kohli earns the respect of players due to his playing style. He emphasized that Kohli is not only good in Test matches but also across all three formats of the game.

"Virat Kohli is very passionate about the game. He is well respected by the players in the way he plays his Cricket. He sets the standards so high. He is not only good in Tests but in all three formats," Southee added.

Rohit Sharma Is A Very Calm Guy - Tim Southee

Tim Southee also praised Rohit Sharma, describing him as a very calm guy. The pacer said that he played under Sharma with the Mumbai Indians, adding that the Indian skipper has a good understanding of the game.

"Rohit Sharma is a very calm guy. I have played under him for the Mumbai Indians, he reads the game well and he is well-respected among the players. All players respect him."

Also read: India hit historic low after embarrassing 46 all-out vs New Zealand in Bengaluru Test