Ravi Shastri urges India to absorb pressure in New Zealand T20Is

Former India head coach Ravi Shastri told Sony Sports Network that reputation alone won't beat New Zealand at home. He said the hosts will challenge India from the outset and the visitors must absorb early pressure and push back straight away. The opening T20I on October 22 will reveal whether India can handle that initial surge.

The five-match T20I series runs until November 1, followed by five ODIs and two Tests. Former captain Ajinkya Rahane stressed that wins in both Tests will decide India's shot at the 2027 World Test Championship final at The Oval. Ravichandran Ashwin called the New Zealand tour one of the toughest tests in world cricket, noting it demands adaptation across formats.