Guwahati, Oct 15: New Zealand white-ball captain Mitchell Santner believes India may have a point to prove when they begin their tour of New Zealand on October 22.
With India losing the Test series 0-3 at home to New Zealand in 2024 and the ODI series 1-2 earlier this year, the upcoming series is an opportunity for redemption. The tour features five T20Is, five ODIs and two World Test Championship Tests.
“Yeah, they might have a little bit of a point to prove, but for us, it's about playing what's in front of us and trying to beat a very good team at home to start off the summer,” Santner said in response to a query from The Assam Tribune during a virtual interaction facilitated by Sony Sports Network.
Santner said playing in challenging overseas conditions had helped New Zealand improve.
“I think the conditions will probably be a little bit different from that Test series, especially here in New Zealand. It might bring the seamers more into play,” he said.
“In the past, we always went overseas and struggled when conditions were far from what we're used to. The more opportunities you get to go to places like India and challenge yourself and start to understand the conditions, you get better equipped for it.”
With the 2027 ODI World Cup in sight, Santner said New Zealand's priority would be winning against India.
“The World Cup is in the back of your mind, but we do have a lot of games leading into the World Cup. Whenever India can be beaten, you want to win against a very good team,” he said.
Santner said the fourth and fifth ODIs would give players such as Finn Allen and Tim Seifert opportunities.
“I think first things first is you want to do what you can to win. I know our team changes for the fourth and fifth ODIs, but we've got guys like Finn and Seifert back in for those. So I think it's still a very good squad,” he said.
“It gives guys an opportunity against a very good team.”
Santner also welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return to the Indian T20I side, saying his ability to swing the ball could make him a threat.
“I think that's a great inclusion for them. I've seen him bowl really well in the IPL over the last few years, so it's good to see him back,” he said.
“I think the way he bowls, with the swing and the nip, especially if the ball does move, up front he's going to be a bit of a challenge.”
Santner said Christchurch could assist seamers, while Eden Park could offer movement and bounce.
“Christchurch could potentially do a bit. I'm a little bit unsure about the other grounds. Eden Park can nip a little bit and can bounce, although it's a small ground. Hamilton is usually pretty good, and so is Wellington,” he said.
The T20I series begins on October 22, followed by the ODIs from November 4. The two-Test series starts on November 19.