I was not even 10 per cent of Shubman Gill when I was 19, says Kohli

Kane Williamson said a strong India is actually teaching them hard lessons in the five-match series.

India captain Virat Kohli heaped praise on youngsters Shubman Gill and Prithvi Shaw.

India skipper Virat Kohli on Monday said watching the young Shubman Gill bat at the nets made him realise that he was not even 10 per cent as talented when he was 19.

“There are some outstanding talents coming in. You saw Prithvi Shaw grabbed his opportunities with both hands (opening Test in the West Indies). Shubman again is a very exciting talent,” Kohli said.

“I saw him bat in the nets and I was like wow I was not even ten per cent of that when I was 19.

New Zealand vs India, 3rd ODI: As it happened

“That’s the confidence that they carry and it is great for Indian cricket if the standard keeps going up and the guys coming in can make impact performances straight away and we would be more than happy to give them the chances and help them grow.”

Shubman was part of India’s U-19 World Cup winning team. He had scored 418 runs at the ICC event last year batting at number three to be adjudged the Player of the Tournament.

Meanwhile, Mohammed Shami, who was adjudged the man-of-the-match for his three-wicket haul, said: “It’s really difficult to bowl against the wind. It is difficult but not too hard. Bhuvi (Bhuvneswar Kumar) at the other end was also a great help. Sticking to areas where we want to bowl is the key.”

RELATED | Rayudu suspended from bowling in international cricket

Learning from mistakes

Disappointed with yet another loss , New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said a strong India is actually teaching them hard lessons in the five-match series.

“They are a very good side and they are teaching us a lesson. There are improvements today and we want to appreciate some of the lessons we have learnt from their side,” Williamson said.

“The consistency about their plans and the way they forced some mistakes I guess we gotta be better than that.”

RELATED | India eves aim to seal series against New Zealand

He praised Ross Taylor and Tom Latham for their innings which helped the host post 243.

“The wicket was tough and the partnership between Latham and Ross was outstanding,” he said.

The Kiwi bowlers also failed to provide regular breakthroughs and Williamson said while they "are going okay with the ball in hand, we need early wickets to put pressure on the opposition."