The five-match T20I series will run till November 1, before the five-match ODI series takes centre stage in terms of preparation for the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup. It will be followed by a two-match Test series in Wellington and Christchurch from November 19 to December 1. Apart from this, India A are also touring New Zealand for three red-ball matches, starting on October 24 in Lincoln.
India will need more than their reputation to get the better of New Zealand on their home turf, former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Wednesday, urging the visitors to absorb the pressure and put it right back on the hosts from the opening T20I on Thursday.
New Delhi, Oct 21 (IANS) India will need more than their reputation to get the better of New Zealand on their home turf, former head coach Ravi Shastri said on Wednesday, urging the visitors to soak up the pressure and turn it back on the hosts right from the opening T20I on Thursday.
That is what I’ll be watching for from the first T20I on October 22,” Shastri said in a statement issued by broadcasters Sony Sports Network on Wednesday. Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane looked ahead to the Test leg of the tour, saying wins in both matches would be key to India’s hopes of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final, to be held at The Oval from June 9-13. Winning the two Tests will be crucial to staying in contention for a spot in the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
I would advise the team not to think too far ahead, but to focus on each match and stick to their plans,” he said. India have the quality to compete across formats, and I’m looking forward to analysing what promises to be a fascinating series,” he said. “They have to get out there, absorb the pressure and put it straight back on New Zealand. He also welcomed the return of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the squad. “India’s tour of New Zealand is a crucial one, with so many aspects to look forward to. New Zealand conditions provide a very different challenge in Test cricket and the Indian batters will be tested. “I’m really happy to see Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in the squad; his experience will come in handy in the T20Is. Overall, it’s going to be a tough tour with back-to-back games, which will test the bench strength too. “Every format presents a different challenge, whether it’s reading conditions in T20Is, building momentum in ODIs or showing patience and discipline in Test cricket.
