IND vs NZ LIVE: After Babar vs Kohli, be ready for Kohli vs Williamson

IND vs NZ LIVE – T20 World Cup LIVE: It has been 13 years since Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson began a fierce rivalry — in 2008 U-19 World Cup. From junior events to Men’s international cricket to ICC events & in IPL – the Kohli – Williamson rivalry the friendship has grown over the year. Despite the rivalries, the two have never fallen out on the pitch. On Sunday – their friendship will again be tested as they play a virtual quarterfinal in the T20 World Cup.

It will be a chance for King Kohli to take revenge over NZ after two key losses at the hands of Williamson led the side in the 2019 World Cup & WTC Finals.

IND vs NZ LIVE: After Babar vs Kohli, be ready for Kohli vs Williamson’s battle for survival in World Cup: Follow LIVE Updates

Also Read: Ind vs NZ LIVE: Fate of ‘allrounder’ Hardik Pandya for India vs New Zealand to be decided today- Follow LIVE updates

T20 World Cup LIVE – Kohli vs Williamson LIVE: The fact that Virat Kohli has never been able to tame Williamson’s New Zealand since the 2008 U-19 World Cup semifinal is a stat that the India captain is still trying to change. In fact, captain Kohli’s record against captain Williamson stands at 1-2 with the Kiwi leading the race in ICC events.

Virat Kohli’s India beat Kane Williamson’s New Zealand in the U-19 World Cup semifinal in 2008.
Kane Williamson led NZ beat India in the 2019 World Cup semifinals.
Williamson led New Zealand to the first-ever ICC WTC Finals victory over Kohli’s India in 2021.

India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup: But despite the fierce rivalry, the image of Kane Williamson resting on Virat Kohli’s shoulder after the ICC WTC Final won the hearts of millions if not billions. It was a gesture that told loud and clear, ‘It’s over, time to relax, buddy.’ Later Williamson clarified his gesture.

IND vs NZ LIVE: After Babar vs Kohli, be ready for Kohli vs Williamson’s battle for survival in World Cup: Follow LIVE Updates

Captaincy aside, the two of the best players of this generation have continuously competed to become the World No 1 batsman. Two of the big 4 besides Joe Root and Steven Smith, they have amassed runs at an average of 50 in Test cricket. While Kohli has pipped Williamson in the race of ODI and T20Is, he has one regret.

Also Read: IND vs NZ LIVE: Virat Kohli needs to be ‘Toss Ka Boss’ if India has to win ‘virtual quarterfinal’ vs New Zealand, check why?

“That was a great moment. We knew anytime you play against India, wherever you are, it’s an incredibly tough challenge. They often set the benchmark in our game in all formats. They show that with the depth that they have and cricket in their country as well,” The New Zealand captain said after the match.

“And the friendship with Virat stems back a number of years and a number of sorts of different times. And it was cool. We always know that there’s a bigger picture to it all. It was a really nice moment and our friendship and relationship are deeper than a game of cricket. And we both know that,” he added.

IND vs NZ LIVE: After Babar vs Kohli, be ready for Kohli vs Williamson’s battle for survival in World Cup: Follow LIVE Updates

Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson as players:

	Test	ODIs	T20Is
Virat Kohli	7765 @ 51.08	12169 @ 59.07	3216 @ 52.72
Kane Williamson	7230 @ 53.95	6173 @ 47.48	1830 @ 31.55

India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup: For Virat Kohli, it’s not very different either. They may be competing on all aspects of the sport including in the race to become the best batsman but Kohli hailed the mutual respect and camaraderie they share.

“Kane and I have become very good friends over the last few years playing against each other. We have conversations off the field. We get along really well off the field. We stay in touch and do communicate. They are good vibes when we see each other… there’s mutual respect. The camaraderie and bonding that we have been playing for different countries mostly happen off the field. That’s all to it,” came Kohli’s disclaimer.

IND vs NZ LIVE: After Babar vs Kohli, be ready for Kohli vs Williamson’s battle for survival in World Cup: Follow LIVE Updates

However, on Sunday, the friendship will have to take a break. Both the teams have been humiliated by Pakistan in their first matches and in Group 2, it is the race between India and New Zealand to occupy the 2^nd spot to reach the semifinals. Whoever loses could be out of the race even if they win their next three games. Virat Kohli vs Kane Williamson rivalry aside, New Zealand have been India’s throne in ICC tournaments. In fact, India have never won against NZ in any senior ICC tournaments since 2003.

India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup: However, on head to head, India will be in good stead, especially blanking the Kiwis at their own backyards in 2020 tour 5-0.

India has never won against New Zealand in an ICC tournament-