Fire and ice apt way to describe Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson: Dinesh Karthik

Two contrasting captains, two different approaches, and two very different characters. One is fiery and aggressive while leading India and the other is as cool as cucumber in dealing with match situations while leading New Zealand. It is the battle of Fire and Ice, the contest between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) starting Friday in Southampton.

Even India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik has dubbed the contest by using the same phrase, which many experts and fans have used to describe Kohli and Williamson. The two skippers have their own unique method to approach the match situation. While Kohli will be in your face and wear his heart on his sleeve, Williamson will be very calm and composed and smile at all costs.

Karthik feels both are successful in their own ways and have taken India and New Zealand at the top due to their tactical, smart and astute leadership.

“As clichéd as it sounds, fire and ice is the best way to put it for both of them. This guy (Virat Kohli) breathes fire, that guy (Kane Williamson) is about cool as it comes,” Karthik said in a Twitter space organized by Star Sports.

Dinesh Karthik sheds light on the bond between Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson

The 36-year-old also spoke about their bonding off the field and the mutual respect they share for each other. While the game is all about intensity and coming on top of each other, there is always a scope outside to bond with each other, which the two of them have done pretty well. There are many instances when Kohli has spoken highly about his rival skipper and vice versa.

“You go on social media and see; he has got nice things to say about Kane Williamson. They have spent a lot of good times. I think they spend lot of good time together. If I am right, I remember a very clear vision of both of them sitting together of watching, both didn’t play one of those T20 games, they were sitting together.”

“They spend a lot of good time with each other, they have lot of respect for each other, and most importantly they will play really hard. One will play easy; one with play with a smile and the other one will play it in your face, but they have a lot of love for each other off the field.”