After getting whitewashed 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series against New Zealand, the Indian team is preparing for the 2-match Test series that starts from Feb 21 with the opening Test set to be played in Wellington. In the past 6 months, Virat Kohli and his men have won each and every Test match in the World Test Championship but New Zealand should prove worthy challengers in the next series if the Kiwis can bury the disappointment of their recent Trans-Tasman rivalry.

Also, Kohli would like to put an end to the run drought and the record suggests that he has gone past fifty only once in 7 innings in New Zealand. With scores of 45, 11, 38, 11, 51, 15, and 9, Kohli has had a lean patch by his standards on this tour.

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Talking about the same, Virat said, “We have prepared in a manner where our fitness levels and concentration levels are such that we can compete against anyone in the world. You need to be in a zone where you need to be feisty and counter that from all angles. In New Zealand, it’s all about cricket discipline and what the team brings on the field. They’re very intense and very fit guys and they can keep going all day and test your patience.”

He further added, “They’re very skilled bowlers and batsmen and brilliant fielders so they don’t give a lot to bank on or pounce on. You need to be wary of the changes that come your way and be focused enough to capitalize. It takes a lot more concentration on the field in New Zealand rather than dealing with things off the field and that’s good for the players to be in that kind of zone.”

That statement proves that they are among the strongest Indian Test sides to visit New Zealand, already with one foot in the new World Test Championship final at Lord’s next year. Virat Kohli is wary of Williamson’s captaincy record at home. In 17 Tests across 8 series played under Williamson’s captaincy, the Kiwis have won just 7 matches.

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Talking about the same, Virat said, “Kane’s leadership was questioned and these things pop up pretty quickly. Having been in those situations myself I can tell you it’s not that alarming for any team. Things can turn around pretty quickly. If you gain momentum at the right time you can play good cricket. Playing at home they will have more control over what they do as a group so they will understand their plans much better.”