If Boult is motivated to emulate Shaheen, we are motivated to counter him: Virat Kohli

India is all set to take on New Zealand for their upcoming fixture of the T20 World Cup 2021. Ahead of the match, the New Zealand pacer Trent Boult had expressed his willingness in making a larger impact on the game. However, the Indian skipper now has come up with a reply to the speedster’s statement.

India faced defeat in their opening fixture against Pakistan. Shaheen Shah Afridi had wreaked havoc by sending India’s openers early on. He then struck with the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. Thus, Boult had earlier stated that he hopes to replicate what Afridi did against India. Replying to his statement, the Indian captain asserted that the team is all raring to counter the left-arm seamer.

“We are obviously going to come up against quality bowlers. It all depends on how we take the field and the mentality. If he is motivated to emulate Shaheen, we are motivated to counter him. We have played against them for a long time,” Virat Kohli said in the pre-match presser in Dubai.

India and New Zealand are keen on securing victory in the crucial encounter

This match is an extremely pivotal contest for both teams. After having won three matches in a row, Pakistan is placed at the top of Group 2. India and New Zealand, on the other hand, lost their opening game against the Men in Green.

However, entering into this match, the Indian batters will have the challenging task of facing the Kiwis’ bowlers. Tim Southee could possibly pose a great threat to team India. He has dismissed Kohli on ten occasions in international cricket which is the most by any bowler. The team will also have to be cautious of Trent Boult who is the Black Caps’ best swing bowler.

Ahead of the match, Boult had stated, “I thought the way Shaheen bowled the other night was amazing. But there are some amazing quality batsmen in the Indian batting line-up. Early wickets are definitely a focus for us as a bowling group. We just need to be nice and clear and accurate when we try to put the ball. Hopefully, from my point of view, it swings around a little bit and I can do what Shaheen did the other night.”