India begin five-match T20I series in Christchurch on Thursday
India and New Zealand begin a five-match T20I series at Christchurch on Thursday. Captain Shreyas Iyer said the squad has adapted to a relentless calendar and welcomed Bhuvneshwar Kumar's return.
India and New Zealand begin a five-match T20I series at Christchurch on Thursday. This marks India's fifth bilateral T20I tour to New Zealand since 2009. Across 12 previous encounters, India have won five matches and lost four, with three ties resolved in their favour through Super Overs.
Captain Shreyas Iyer said the squad has grown accustomed to a packed calendar that has included tours of Ireland, England, Zimbabwe, Japan and now New Zealand. He added that eight or nine players are visiting New Zealand for the first time and that fast bowling conditions are expected. Iyer also welcomed the return of Bhuvneshwar Kumar to a bowling group that includes several new faces.
India open the series with limited time to acclimatise after landing less than 72 hours before the first match. The tour schedule continues with three ODIs and two Tests.
CricHubb Take
A schedule that rarely pauses gives India repeated exposure to new conditions, yet it also compresses recovery time between high-stakes assignments.