Santner Hopes Kohli, Rohit Find New Zealand Conditions Tougher This Time

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is aware of the threat posed by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma as India prepare to tour New Zealand for an extensive multi-format series. The two experienced batters have enjoyed considerable success in New Zealand conditions in the past, but Santner hopes they will find the challenge tougher this time. India are scheduled to play five ODIs and five T20Is, followed by two Tests during the tour. The series will provide both teams with important preparation ahead of the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Santner acknowledged Kohli and Rohit’s record in New Zealand while expressing confidence that his team can create a different challenge for the Indian batting pair. He described both players as experienced performers and masters of ODI cricket, noting that they have previously adapted well to New Zealand pitches. The New Zealand captain hopes his side can prevent them from settling into their usual rhythm when the teams meet. His comments underline the importance New Zealand places on containing India’s senior batters.

The five-match ODI series will be particularly significant as both teams begin building towards the 2027 ODI World Cup. Santner said New Zealand would be keen to win the series at home before turning their attention to further World Cup preparations. New Zealand are also scheduled to face Sri Lanka in three ODIs before travelling to England for their final preparations ahead of the global tournament. The home series against India is therefore expected to play an important role in determining the team's combinations and balance.

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The two-Test series will present a separate challenge for India, especially with the team undergoing a transition in red-ball cricket. Santner expects newer members of the Indian squad to face unfamiliar conditions, with New Zealand pitches traditionally offering movement and assistance to fast bowlers. He said adapting quickly would be crucial, particularly for players experiencing Test cricket in New Zealand for the first time. India's batters may need to show patience against the new ball before attempting to attack.

Despite the expected difficulties, Santner praised India's bowling resources and described the squad as well rounded. He highlighted Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna among the seam-bowling options, while also pointing to Ravindra Jadeja and Manav Suthar as spin choices. Santner expects the conditions to influence how both sides approach the Tests, with batters potentially needing to allow the ball to lose its shine before playing more aggressively. He said there could be significant movement for bowlers during the matches.

The previous Test meeting between the sides saw New Zealand secure a historic 3-0 series victory in India, ending India's long unbeaten home record in Test series. Santner played a major role in that achievement with a strong bowling performance in Pune. The upcoming series will offer India an opportunity to respond in unfamiliar conditions, while New Zealand will look to maintain their advantage. Santner said playing India remains a major attraction for his team, with the challenge providing an opportunity for New Zealand's players to test themselves against one of the strongest sides in international cricket.

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