New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes young Indian batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi could be a difficult opponent to contain if he features in the upcoming five-match T20 International series, beginning here on Thursday.
However, the Kiwi skipper said his team has prepared strategies to tackle the 15-year-old batting sensation.
Sooryavanshi has received limited opportunities since being selected for India’s tour of the UK earlier this year, with established openers Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson performing consistently well. Santner said New Zealand had studied the youngster’s game and would be ready if he makes it into India’s playing XI.
“He (Sooryavanshi) did not play in the last series (against West Indies), but we know how good he is, in IPL. We know other players like Abhishek are doing very well. But he (Sooryavanshi) has a huge part to play for India, whether it’s in this series or not, but in future,” Santner said at the pre-series press conference on Wednesday.
The New Zealand captain acknowledged the explosive batter’s ability to dominate bowling attacks and explained that his side had already considered ways to restrict him.
“If he does get a crack at this series, we’ve seen what he can do, and guys have found it quite hard to stop him. I know in England, they went quite short and hard at a lot of the Indian batters. I think we’ve seen him in the IPL and how aggressive he can be. So we’ve got some plans for him if he happens to play.”
Santner Expects Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Enjoy New Zealand Conditions
Santner also discussed the return of veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the T20I side after an absence of nearly four years. The New Zealand skipper expects the experienced swing bowler to make good use of the conditions in his country.
“I think Bhuvi will love these conditions in New Zealand. If there’s anything in the wicket, he finds something out of it. On some flat ones in India, he still managed to nip and swing the ball, so I think with the new ball out here, especially, it’ll be a challenge (for New Zealand).
“In India, it’s pretty challenging as a bowler these days. We’ve seen in the recent series, 250 getting chased down. Who wants to be a bowler, but he (Bhuvneshwar) might like it out here a little bit better.”
With conditions potentially favouring seam and swing bowling, Santner said he hoped the opening match would offer bowlers a greater say in the contest.
“I hope so. I think maybe the first game it might be, but it can change pretty quickly. It’s very weather dependent. The second game is a used pitch, the same pitch we used for the first game. It could be a bit flatter.
“If it nips around, we’ve got to play accordingly. If it’s flat, you’ve got to play accordingly,” the 34-year-old left-arm spinner said.
He also pointed out that India’s batters have plenty of experience playing on challenging surfaces around the world.
“If there is a little bit in it, you might have to change a few shots, but they’ve played on fast, bouncy wickets before. They’ve played all around the world and done really well. It’s going to be a challenge for this series, and we’re looking forward to it,” he added.
Santner Warns India of Different Playing Conditions
Following the five-match T20I series, India and New Zealand will meet in a five-match ODI series before concluding the tour with two Test matches.
Santner acknowledged India’s strong form and team combination but said the visiting side would face conditions different from those it had experienced at home.
“They (India) are a well-gelled team and playing some good cricket. We know the conditions will be a little bit different to what they’ve had at home. The pitches here will be a little bit bouncy. I guess there are still memories, and a lot of this group were at the World Cup.
“And obviously the series beforehand, where India beat us 4-1. So again, we know that they’re a great team and have done it for a long time.”
The New Zealand skipper believes the home conditions could provide his side with a slight advantage, although he cautioned that conditions would vary across venues.
“We’re going around the country; conditions can change. I think both teams are changing a little bit just with the schedule and the quick turnaround. So, it’s going to be a full squad effort for both teams to put in some good performances.”