Santner Warns India Ahead of New Zealand ODI Series
· Sports · Times of India, Indian Express
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has acknowledged the threat posed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma ahead of India's tour later this year, calling them "masters of the ODI game" but expressing hope that past home dominance will not repeat. India will play five ODIs, five T20Is and two Tests in New Zealand in October-November, with Kohli and Rohit, who now play only ODI cricket, set to return to action. Santner identified the ODI series as New Zealand's immediate priority, followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka and World Cup preparation in England in September 2027. He also recalled New Zealand's historic 3-0 Test series win in India, which ended India's unbeaten home Test run of over 12 years and 18 series, and noted that a "new-look India side" could struggle to adapt in the upcoming two-Test leg. Santner, who took 7/53 and 6/104 in the second Test at Pune to seal that series, said the team was "trying to figure out their best team" with limited games before the October 2027 Worl
Why it matters
The upcoming series carries World Cup implications for both sides, with India needing to finalise its ODI core featuring Kohli and Rohit while New Zealand targets an early home win to build momentum. The two-Test leg will test a transitional Indian batting order against familiar Kiwi conditions.
Read the original report — Times of India
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