New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is anticipating a troublesome problem when India’s ODI specialists Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to New Zealand later this 12 months. Kohli and Rohit now play solely ODI cricket and will likely be again in motion when India tour New Zealand for 5 ODIs, 5 T20Is and two Checks in October-November.Santner is aware of the skilled Indian batters have loved enjoying in New Zealand up to now. He hopes that won’t be the case this time.“It will be a problem. They’re nonetheless excellent gamers as we have now seen for a very long time; masters of the ODI sport. They’ve taken a liking to some New Zealand pitches up to now. Hopefully, not this time round,” Santner informed PTI.“It will be an awesome sequence, little doubt. It’s all a lead-up for the World Cup subsequent 12 months in ODIs. Everyone seems to be attempting to determine their greatest crew; what that may appear like for October subsequent 12 months with restricted video games.”
New Zealand wish to beat India at house
Santner mentioned New Zealand’s first goal will likely be to win the ODI sequence in opposition to India at house.The Blackcaps will play 5 ODIs in opposition to India, adopted by three ODIs in opposition to Sri Lanka at house. They’ll then journey to England for World Cup preparations in September 2027.“We have got 5 (matches) in opposition to India, three in opposition to Sri Lanka at house after which it’s World Cup prep in England (in September 2027), proper earlier than the World Cup,” he mentioned.“(However) first issues first, you wish to win a sequence in opposition to India at house, which might be an superior factor. Then it’s (about) looking for what the make-up may appear like come October subsequent 12 months,” Santner added.
India tour of New Zealand: Full schedule
Collection:5 T20Is5 ODIs2 Checks
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 22, 2026 | 1st T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 12:30 PM |
| Oct 24, 2026 | 2nd T20I | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 12:30 PM |
| Oct 27, 2026 | third T20I | Sky Stadium, Wellington | 12:30 PM |
| Oct 30, 2026 | 4th T20I | Eden Park, Auckland | 12:30 PM |
| Nov 1, 2026 | fifth T20I | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 12:30 PM |
| Nov 4, 2026 | 1st ODI | Eden Park, Auckland | 7:30 AM |
| Nov 7, 2026 | 2nd ODI | Sky Stadium, Wellington | 7:30 AM |
| Nov 10, 2026 | third ODI | Seddon Park, Hamilton | 7:30 AM |
| Nov 13, 2026 | 4th ODI | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
| Nov 15, 2026 | fifth ODI | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui | 7:30 AM |
| Nov 19–23, 2026 | 1st Take a look at | Basin Reserve, Wellington | 3:30 AM |
| Nov 27–Dec 1, 2026 | 2nd Take a look at | Hagley Oval, Christchurch | 3:30 AM |
Santner remembers India’s 3-0 Take a look at loss
India and New Zealand final met in a Take a look at sequence in India, with the Kiwis recording a historic 3-0 win. The outcome ended India’s unbeaten house Take a look at run, which had lasted greater than 12 years and 18 sequence.With India’s Take a look at crew now going by way of a change, Santner believes the two-Take a look at sequence in New Zealand might be tough for a number of the new gamers.“I feel what we spoke about earlier than is attempting to adapt shortly,” mentioned Santner, who took 7/53 and 6/104 within the second Take a look at at Pune to seal the sequence win, recalling the tour.“For a new-look India facet, it’s in all probability going to be the primary time some gamers have been enjoying red-ball (cricket) in New Zealand, the place the pitches will likely be just a little bit overseas. They’ll in all probability do a bit greater than they could do again house.”
‘Thoroughly-rounded’ India squad
Santner, nevertheless, feels India’s present Take a look at crew is powerful and has a very good steadiness.He described the squad as “well-rounded” and mentioned it has been “shaping up properly”.“When you have a look at their squad, it’s a very well-rounded squad. You throw (Jasprit) Bumrah again into the bowling assault, you’ve got (Mohammed) Siraj, (Prasidh) Krishna with the bounce. You’ve got (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Manav) Suthar to bowl spin. You’ve got in all probability a fourth seamer in there as nicely.”“It’s shaping up properly. I feel it’s going to be an awesome sequence. Historically, it may well do some bit in New Zealand at the moment of the 12 months,” Santner mentioned.
‘Combat hearth with hearth’
Santner additionally spoke about how groups might must strategy Take a look at cricket in New Zealand. He mentioned batters might should play their pictures at occasions, whereas additionally being able to defend and see off the brand new ball.He continued, “It might be attempting to struggle hearth with hearth, enjoying your pictures. There may be occasions we have to sit again and let the bowlers go for a bit, attempt to get the shine off the ball. There’s a lot that may go on within the Take a look at matches in New Zealand. It will be an thrilling sequence and one which we won’t await.”
Why solely two Checks?
When requested why the India-New Zealand sequence has solely two Checks, Santner pointed to New Zealand’s historical past of enjoying shorter Take a look at sequence in addition to monetary elements.“For a very long time, New Zealand performed two-match sequence. There’s clearly the cash facet of it as nicely.”“I do know it prices rather a lot to play Take a look at cricket. (It’s about) timing as nicely; white-ball brings within the crowds in New Zealand, it brings the cash. That is why I suppose it’s the 10-2 cut up.”Nonetheless, Santner mentioned enjoying India, even in a two-Take a look at sequence, stays a significant alternative for New Zealand.“Each time India come, even when it is just two Take a look at matches, it’s going to be thrilling. Everybody needs to problem themselves in opposition to the very best on the planet and they’re up there. For us, it’s going to be an necessary sequence like it’s for India with the (World Take a look at Championship) factors which might be on provide.”
