“We still back ourselves”: Blair Tickner sends warning to Virat Kohli ahead of 2nd ODI

Blair Tickner Calls Facing Virat Kohli an “Awesome Opportunity” Ahead of Second ODI

New Zealand will look to level the series when they meet India in the second ODI in Wellington on Saturday, November 7. India lead 1-0 after a five-wicket victory in the opening match, leaving the hosts with little room for error in the five-match contest. Ahead of the game, New Zealand fast bowler Blair Tickner reflected on the challenge of bowling to Virat Kohli—and said he hopes to dismiss the former India captain early this time.

India arrived in the ODI series with confidence after a strong T20I campaign and carried that momentum into the first match. Despite an inexperienced pace attack, Shubman Gill’s side handled the conditions well and chased down New Zealand’s total. The visitors will now aim to build on that start, while New Zealand must improve with both bat and ball to prevent India from taking a commanding lead.

Tickner Relishes the Challenge of Bowling to Kohli

Speaking to the media before the second ODI, Tickner described playing against Kohli as a valuable experience. The New Zealand pacer acknowledged that Kohli quickly shifted the pressure onto the bowlers during the first match, even though India were pursuing a modest, rain-adjusted target.

“Yeah, he’s obviously going all right. With a small total, he came out and put pressure on us. We looked to take wickets, but he did really well. We still back ourselves and our skills to obviously get him out. But yeah, it’s an awesome opportunity to play against him, and hopefully we can get one over him soon,” Tickner said.

For Tickner and New Zealand, the key will be finding ways to challenge Kohli without allowing him to settle. Early movement, disciplined lines and pressure at both ends could be important, particularly if the Wellington pitch offers pace or bounce. Kohli’s ability to turn a cautious start into an attacking innings means New Zealand may need to make the most of any opportunity that comes his way.

Kohli’s Form Gives India a Major Advantage

Kohli has continued to produce strong performances in ODI cricket, despite concentrating on the 50-over format. He was one of India’s leading run-scorers in the format during the year and looked in excellent touch in the series opener. His innings of 74 from 51 balls combined controlled stroke play with the ability to put the bowling side under immediate pressure.

The conditions were not entirely straightforward. The surface offered some bounce, and the ball moved enough to test the batters. Kohli nevertheless found scoring opportunities and helped India stay in control of the chase. With the match shortened by rain and the target revised under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method, his innings was especially influential in keeping the required rate manageable.

There was a sense that Kohli could have gone on to make a century had the contest lasted longer. Instead, his contribution ensured India reached the target with wickets in hand. His experience in pressure situations remains a significant asset, and New Zealand’s bowlers will be aware that even a brief lapse in accuracy can quickly change the momentum of a chase.

New Zealand Seek a Stronger Batting Response

Tickner also admitted that New Zealand needed to post a more competitive total after being dismissed for 185 in the first ODI. The fast bowler finished as the home side’s top scorer with 34 runs, a sign of how difficult the innings became after the top order failed to build a substantial partnership.

“Obviously, you’d have loved to score more runs and put a little bit more pressure on them… we know that we didn’t get enough runs and with the ball we can be even better,” he said.

A higher total would give New Zealand’s bowlers more freedom to attack. In the opening match, India’s relatively straightforward chase limited the time available for the hosts to create sustained pressure. A stronger start from New Zealand’s top order, followed by partnerships through the middle overs, could make the second ODI a far more balanced contest.

Conway’s Absence Creates an Opening for Nick Kelly

New Zealand will also have to adjust to the absence of Devon Conway, who has been ruled out of the series. Tickner described Conway as an important member of the team but said the change creates an opportunity for another player to step forward. Nick Kelly has been brought into the squad, giving him a chance to make an impact in the remaining matches.

“Yeah, he’s been massive for us, obviously. Crazy event at training, but we’re bringing in Kelly, another great player. So it just gives opportunity to other players to stand up like we have throughout. He’s been a few injuries around the last couple of years, but seems every time we have another player come in, they do well. So great opportunity for Nick,” Tickner added.

Replacing a reliable batter is never straightforward, particularly in a series where the team is already trying to recover from a defeat. Kelly’s challenge will be to settle quickly and help New Zealand establish the partnerships they lacked in the first match. His inclusion may also prompt a reshuffle in the batting order, depending on the team’s preferred balance and the conditions in Wellington.

Second ODI Prediction: India Hold the Edge, but New Zealand Need a Response

India will begin the second ODI as the more settled side, with Kohli in form and the team already holding a series lead. Their first-match win showed they can manage difficult conditions and chase effectively, even when the contest is shortened. If their bowlers repeat that discipline and the top order continues to contribute, India will have a strong chance of moving further ahead.

However, New Zealand’s home advantage should not be overlooked. The hosts have the pace attack and batting talent to make the series competitive, but they need a sharper performance with the bat. Tickner’s comments suggest the team believes it can trouble Kohli and India’s other batters; the challenge is to turn that confidence into early wickets and sustained pressure.

The second ODI therefore presents a clear test for both sides. India will aim to extend their lead, while New Zealand must respond with greater intent and a more complete performance. For fans, the contest between Tickner and Kohli will be one of the match’s central storylines—and the outcome could depend on whether New Zealand can make the most of their chances against one of ODI cricket’s most accomplished batters.