New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner on Wednesday said his team has prepared for the challenge posed by teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi ahead of the five-match T20I series against India, starting Thursday.
Santner acknowledged the 15-year-old’s aggressive batting, particularly his performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), and said New Zealand had developed plans to counter him if he features in the playing XI.
Although Sooryavanshi has had limited opportunities in India’s recent matches, Santner believes the youngster has a significant role to play in the team’s future, regardless of his selection for the upcoming series.
The New Zealand skipper also highlighted India’s experience against short-pitched bowling during their recent tour of England, while expressing confidence that his side could challenge the visitors in conditions expected to offer bounce.
Santner expects veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, returning to the T20I setup after nearly four years, to be particularly effective with the new ball in New Zealand. He said the bowler’s ability to generate swing could pose problems for the hosts.
The 34-year-old also suggested that conditions could give bowlers opportunities early in the series, although weather and pitch conditions may influence the contests. The second match will be played on the same surface as the opener, potentially making batting easier as the pitch wears.
Acknowledging India’s recent form, Santner described the visitors as a settled side with considerable international experience. However, he said New Zealand’s conditions, including potentially bouncy pitches, would present a different challenge.
The five-match series will provide both sides an opportunity to test their combinations and adapt to conditions ahead of their upcoming international assignments.
