'I decided not letting somebody ride over me just like that' - Kesrick Williams on his on-field banter with Virat Kohli

In December last year, Virat Kohli’s ‘notebook celebration’ amassed a lot of popularity on social media. The Indian skipper hit a length ball from Kesrick Williams straight over covers for a six and celebrated in the popular style. This came after Williams celebrated in the same fashion in 2017 after dismissing Kohli in the West Indies.

Going down the memory lane, Williams recalled the famous banter between him and arguably the best batsman in the world. Kesrick, after claiming Kohli’s wicket in the Caribbean during 2017 series, pulled off his signature celebration. But Kohli being himself, imitated the speedter by enacting the same celebration in the Hyderabad T20I.

“When he did it, I was like Woah! I was surprised, very very surprised. The first time I did it to him was in 2017. And to remember it in 2019, it shows the kind of player he is. ‘You know what, I have to get back at this guy,’ which he did in Hyderabad,” Kesrick said in an interview to Sportskeeda.

I don’t care who he is, says Kesrick Williams

In the second T20I of the series, the pacer came back and completed his vengeance by dismissing Virat. He then put his finger on the lips to celebrate it. The banter between the two became the talk of the town during the series.

“I decided I am not going to let somebody ride over me just like that. I am now going to hit him back hard. And I came back, hit him hard, and got the best of him, in the second game,” Williams added.

“I think I get the best of him and I think the next time we meet again it’s going to be something. I am ready for it. I don’t care who he is. Yes, he is a talented player. He is probably the best player in the world. I always respect him when it comes to that. But when it comes to my bowling, and his batting, it’s me or him on the day, which I am going to back myself every time,” the fast-bowler further mentioned.

The Indian skipper will next be seen in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL), starting 19th September in the UAE. He will be leading the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the cash-rich league. Most of the teams have reached the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where the tournament will be played. Kohli and Co will be eager to win their first IPL title this season.