Andre Nel: “I would love to bowl at Kohli”

Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo

Former South Africa seamer Andre Nel was renowned for his fiery pace, attitude and approach to the game, but if he were playing today, which players would he love to bowl against?

The 40-year-old was quick to name India captain Virat Kohli, all-rounder Hardik Pandya and opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan.

But, what is the reason behind choosing the Indian trio? According to Nel, it’s simply due to the fact they don’t shy away from getting into a heated battle with an opposing bowler.

“I would love to bowl at Kohli,” Nel told Cricbuzz. “I always wanted to get the best players out. Yes I might have failed but if I can compete at that level, I would have loved to bowl to him.

“I would love to bowl to Pandya too… he’s a nice, lovely character. He is always looking for his battle, that’s his nature. He wants to counter-attack. That’s a challenge I would have liked to take on.

“Also, Shikhar Dhawan – looks like a guy who doesn’t veer away from a battle. The bigger the battle… that’s what I would have wanted. These three seem like real characters in the Indian side.

“There are other good players – like Pujara is an unbelievable player but he doesn’t give anything away. But those three guys look like, if you give them a battle, they’ll give you a battle back. That’s the guys I would like to bowl to.”