Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli threat looms over New Zealand: Mitchell Santner says ‘not this time’

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (Photo by BCCI) New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner expects a tough challenge when India’s ODI specialists Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to New Zealand later this year. Kohli and Rohit only play ODI cricket now and will be back in action when India tour New Zealand in October-November for five ODIs, five T20Is and two Tests.Santner knows that experienced Indian batsmen have enjoyed playing in New Zealand in the past. He hopes that won’t be the case this time.“It will be a challenge. They are still very good players as we have seen for a long time; masters of the ODI game. They have liked some pitches in New Zealand in the past. Hopefully not this time,” Santner told PTI.“It’s going to be a great series no doubt. It’s all preparation for the World Cup next year in ODIs. Everyone is trying to find their best team; what could it look like next October with limited overs.”

New Zealand want to beat India at home

Santner said New Zealand’s first objective would be to win the ODI series against India at home.The Blackcaps will play five ODIs against India, followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka at home. They will then travel to England to prepare for the World Cup in September 2027.“We’ve got five (matches) against India, three against Sri Lanka at home and then it’s the World Cup build-up in England (in September 2027), just before the World Cup,” he said.“But first you want to win the series against India at home, which would be a wonderful thing. Then it’s (about) trying to see what the make-up might look like in October next year,” Santner added.

India tour of New Zealand: Complete programme

Series:5 T20Is5 ODIs2 TestsDateMatchVenueTime (IST)October 22, 20261st T20IHagley Oval, Christchurch12.30pmOctober 24, 20262nd T20IHagley Oval, Christchurch12.30pmOctober 27, 20263rd T20ISky Stadium, Wellington12.30pmOctober 30, 20264th T20IEden Park, Auckland12.30pmNovember 1, 20265. T20ISeddon Park, Hamilton12.30pmNovember 4, 20261st ODIEden Park, Auckland7.30AMNovember 7, 20262nd ODISky Stadium, Wellington7.30amNovember 10, 20263rd ODISeddon Park, Hamilton7:30AMNovember 13, 20264. ODIBay Oval, Mount Maunganui7.30AMNovember 15, 20265. ODIBay Oval, Mount Maunganui7.30AM19-23 November 20261st TestBasin Reserve, Wellington3.30AMNovember 27 – December 1, 20262nd Test Hagley Oval, Christchurch3.30AM

Santner recalls India’s 3-0 Test loss

India and New Zealand last met in a Test series in India where the Kiwis registered a historic 3-0 win. The result was India’s unbeaten domestic Test run spanning over 12 years and 18 series.With India’s Test squad now undergoing a shake-up, Santner believes the two-Test series in New Zealand could be difficult for some of the new players.“I think what we talked about before, we are trying to adapt quickly,” Santner, who took 7/53 and 6/104 in the second Test in Pune to seal a series win, said, recalling the tour.“For the new-look Indian side, it will probably be the first time for some of the players to play red ball (cricket) in New Zealand, where the pitches will be a bit foreign. They will probably do a bit more than they might play at home.”

A “very well assembled” India team

However, Santner feels that the current Indian Test squad is strong and has a good balance.He described the squad as “well-rounded” and said it was “shaping up nicely”.“If you look at their team, it is a very well-rounded team. You throw (Jasprit) Bumrah back into the bowling attack, you have (Mohammed) Siraj, (Prasidh) Krishna with bounce. You have (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Manav) Suthar to play the fourth seamer.”“It’s shaping up nicely. I think it’s going to be a great series. Traditionally in New Zealand at that time of year it can work a bit,” Santner said.

“Fight Fire With Fire”

Santner also spoke about how teams may need access to Test cricket in New Zealand. He said the batsmen may have to play their shots at times while also being ready to defend and see off the new ball.He continued: “It could be trying to fight fire, playing your shots. There may be a situation where we have to sit back and let the bowlers get away from the ball for a while. There’s a lot that can happen in the Test matches in New Zealand. It’s going to be an exciting series and we can’t wait.”

Why only two tests?

Asked why the India-New Zealand series has only two Tests, Santner pointed to New Zealand’s history of playing shorter Test series as well as financial factors.“New Zealand have been playing two-match series for a long time. Of course, it’s also on the financial side.“I know it costs a lot to play Test cricket. (It’s about) timing as well; the white ball brings the crowds in New Zealand, it brings the money. That’s why I think it’s a 10-2 split.”However, Santner said that playing India, even in a two-Test series, remains a big opportunity for New Zealand.“Whenever India come, even if it’s just two Test matches, it’s going to be exciting. Everyone wants to go up against the best in the world and they’re up there. It’s going to be an important series for us as it is for India with the (World Test Championship) points on offer.”