Shane Bond warns New Zealand about Varun Chakravarthy

Former New Zealand fast bowler Shane Bond said wrist-spinner Varun Chakravarthy will be awkward to face on early-season pitches in New Zealand because of extra bounce. Chakravarthy returns to India's T20I squad for the five-match series starting in Christchurch on Thursday after recovering from a side strain. He has taken 75 wickets in 49 T20Is.

Bond said Chakravarthy is a quality bowler who has been a stalwart for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL. He noted that spin remains important even when conditions are expected to favour pace. Bond also said teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi puts fear into opposition teams and deserves opportunities despite competition for places.

India are without injured all-rounder Hardik Pandya for the tour. Bond said he hopes to see Hardik back on the field soon. The series gives Sooryavanshi a chance to gain experience in overseas conditions even if he does not play every match.