Mitchell Santner says New Zealand have plans ready for Sooryavanshi

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said his side has studied Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and holds plans for the 15-year-old if he plays in the five-match T20I series that starts on Thursday. Santner noted that Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson have performed consistently at the top of the order, which explains Sooryavanshi's continued absence from the XI.

Santner said Sooryavanshi has a significant role ahead for India whether or not he features in this series. He added that the teenager will be hard to stop if he gets an opportunity, but New Zealand's preparations are complete. Santner also welcomed the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and said the seamer will enjoy the conditions at Hagley Oval.

The first T20I begins at Christchurch on Thursday. The series forms the opening leg of India's all-format tour that also includes five ODIs and two Tests.