'He's A Class Player, Doesn't Have Many Weaknesses': Tim Southee On Virat Kohli

New Zealand pacer Tim Southee, who recently dismissed Virat Kohli for a record ninth time in international cricket, has called the Indian captain a ‘class’ player, while also adding that he doesn’t have many weaknesses.

In the second ODI of the three-match series between India and New Zealand, Southee took Kohli’s wicket and helped his team defeat India by 22 runs to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Despite playing through pain, Southee took two wickets, giving away just 41 runs in his spell at Auckland’s Eden Park. He has dismissed Kohli nine times across formats, overtaking James Anderson and Graeme Swann, who each had got the better of Kohli on eight occasions.

Virat Kohli does not have many weaknesses: Tim Southee

The 31-year-old has now become the most successful bowler against Kohli. But, at the same time, he still feels that the Indian skipper is by no means a pushover.

“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,” Southee was quoted as saying by stuff.co.nz.

He further added, “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.”

Tim Southee delighted with New Zealand’s comeback in the ODI series

Before the ODIs, India had dominated the Kiwis in the T20I series, as they whitewashed the hosts 5-0. Southee was delighted by the way how New Zealand dealt with the previous setback and fought back in the ODIs.

“It is always great to play India. Obviously the T20 series did not go according to plan but the one-day games have been great. The one-day side played some great cricket for a while although we are missing a couple of guys,” the right-arm pacer said.

India and New Zealand will play the third ODI on Tuesday, at Mount Maunganui’s Bay Oval. Then, the two teams will contest in a two-match Test series that begins from 21st February, at Basin Reserve in Wellington.