IND vs NZ 2023: I expect Virat Kohli to make a good comeback in the third ODI, says Wasim Jaffer

Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer expects Virat Kohli to make a good comeback in the third ODI of the series against New Zealand. Kohli was dismissed cheaply in the first two ODIs against the Kiwis and he would want to turn the tables.

The talisman could only manage eight runs in the first ODI and then could only score 11 runs in the second game against the Blackcaps. Kohli was bowled by Mitchell Santner in the first game whereas the left-arm orthodox spinner once again dismissed the right-hander in the second ODI.

Meanwhile, Kohli has been in prime form in the recent past as he scored two centuries against Sri Lanka. The 34-year-old had scored 166 runs in the third game of the series as he was at his absolute best. However, Kohli had failed to carry the same form in the first two ODIs against New Zealand.

“Virat Kohli must be disappointed by his dismissals in this series. He has been struggling to play leg-spin for quite a while now whether it be Adil Rashid or Adam Zampa, and now he has gone out to left-arm spin of Mitchell Santner two matches in a row,” said Jaffer on ESPN Cricinfo.

“I expect Kohli to make a good comeback in the third ODI keeping the big picture in mind. Australia are touring soon and they have a solid bowling unit with Nathan Lyon also there. So, the expectation is always there from him to score runs and do well,” Jaffer added.

Furthermore, Jaffer showered praise on Mohammed Shami for bowling a fine spell. Shami returned with figures of 3-18 whereas Hardik Pandya took two wickets and Siraj picked one wicket in the second game to help their team skittle out the opposition at 108.

“I thought he bowled really well, complimented by Siraj and even Hardik Pandya. So I thought India bowled really well. Even though it seemed like Rohit Sharma was in two minds about bowling first, and took a lot of time, even Tom Latham said that he would have bowled first,” said Jaffer.

India had taken an impregnable lead of 2-0 in the series after winning the second game by eight wickets. The third ODI will be played at Indore on Tuesday.