Virat Kohli is one of the best across all formats: Kane Williamson

The two-match Test series between India and New Zealand is set to get underway as the No.1 ranked side in the world locks horns with a side that has proceeded to convert their home into a fortress- New Zealand.

This will be the first Test that India will play in New Zealand since 2014 and they will have a stiff task on their hand as they aim to further consolidate their numero uno spot in the ICC Test championship. India did not lose a single Test in 2019 and Kiwi skipper Kane Williamson knows the magnitude of the challenge that faces his side.

“Whenever we play India in any format, they are a really tough challenge, they will bring a high level of competition as they always do but for us, it is important to keep coming back connecting what’s really important to our team, the style of cricket that’s allowed us to success over a period of time,” Kane Williamson said in the pre-match press conference.

Kane Williamson hails ‘world-class’ India

When asked about Virat Kohli, Williamson hailed the Indian captain as one of the best across the three formats but maintained that there are too many high-quality players in that Indian line-up, and the Kiwis wouldn’t just be focussing on him.

“Obviously, Virat is the best or one of the best across all formats but they are a quality side; they are leading the Test championship and there is reason for it; they’ve got so many quality batsmen and have a world-class fast bowling attack as well; so you don’t certainly focus on one player and I guess that brings us back to the focus on how teams approach”

Both Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson have been dishing out mutual respect for each other in the lead-up to the series but make no mistake this will as intense a Test series that one can imagine. While India will look to consolidate their standings in the rankings as well as in the Test championship points table, the Kiwis will be looking to redeem themselves after having suffered a 0-3 shellacking at the hands of Australia last month.