Santner says India T20I top order forces tactical flexibility
Santner says India's aggressive top order will force New Zealand to adapt plans quickly in the T20I series.
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner warned that his bowlers must adapt quickly when facing India's aggressive top order in the upcoming T20I series. He said Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson pack power throughout their lineup and give bowlers few dot balls.
Santner expects early-season conditions in Christchurch to offer movement. He said bowlers must use that assistance when available, but create pressure through different wicket-taking methods if the pitches remain flat. He noted that conceding 30 to 40 runs while taking two or three wickets would represent a good performance against such batting.
Santner also acknowledged the threat posed by 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. He said the teenager's IPL exploits show India have power throughout their order and stopping him will be a challenge.
CricHubb Take
Santner's comments reveal New Zealand's approach to a series where their main asset is early-season movement. The real test will come when that assistance fades and they must manufacture wickets without the new ball.