Kane Williamson backs Virat Kohli to shine in IPL 2025
What's the story
Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has backed Virat Kohli to adapt and shine in the upcoming Indian Premier League 2025 season.
Williamson's support comes on the back of Kohli's phenomenal performance during India's recent ICC Champions Trophy win.
The all-time leading run-scorer in IPL history with a mind-boggling 8,004 runs from 252 matches, Kohli will continue his phenomenal form when RCB take on KKR at Eden Gardens on Saturday.
High expectations
Williamson predicts significant impact from Kohli
Williamson is certain Kohli will make a huge difference in IPL 2025, just like he has in almost every season of this tournament.
"I know he's extremely motivated with RCB to push for a title and I'm sure this season they'll be there or thereabouts," Williamson said during a media interaction.
He also recognized the different phases players experience in their careers, but Kohli's hunger and passion remain the same.
Information
Kohli's IPL numbers and performance against KKR
Kohli is the top scorer in IPL with 8,004 runs at 38.66. He has smashed 55 fifties and 8 tons. 705 fours and 272 sixes have flown from his bat. Against KKR, he has amassed 962 runs at 38.48 (100s: 1, 50s: 6).
Rule change
Williamson comments on BCCI's saliva ban reversal
Apart from his opinion on Kohli, Williamson also spoke about BCCI's decision to overturn the saliva ban.
He admitted that it has always been difficult to shine a white ball in white-ball cricket.
"Whether it (saliva ban removal) has a large impact or not, I guess we'll find out. I suppose any sort of help in shining might add some benefit," he said.