Santner wary of Rohit-Kohli threat, says Indian duo ‘still playing very well’
AUCKLAND: Wary of the threat posed by Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says his bowlers will have to be very disciplined when they attempt to execute surface-specific strategies against the two veterans in the five-match ODI series beginning here on Wednesday.
Rohit and Kohli are now only playing the ODI format and Santner said the two are good for the game.AUCKLAND: Wary of the threat posed by Indian batting stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner says his bowlers will have to be very disciplined when they attempt to execute surface-specific strategies against the two veterans in the five-match ODI series beginning here on Wednesday.I think it draws the crowds. We’ve had some really good crowds throughout the T20 series, and I expect they’ll be the same with Rohit and Virat being here,” he said.We’ve obviously sat down as a bowling group and discussed what that looks like, what their line-up looks like, how to operate in New Zealand, which I guess we know how to operate on these pitches,” he said.
He pointed out that Rohit and Kohli’s experience at the top of the order continued to make them formidable opponents, with their roles being to provide an aggressive start for the middle and lower order.Rohit, obviously, and Kohli have done it for a long time. Shubman’s been outstanding as well for the last five years,” he added.But I think there’s not too many secrets with ODI cricket with bowling.
It’s just building pressure and trying to get wickets through that way.
“Santner bats for NZ T20 league Santner also backed the idea of a dedicated New Zealand T20 league, saying it would provide opportunities for domestic players and help grow the game in the country.
The league which was originally scheduled to be held from January next year has now been deferred till the end of 2027.
Santner also pointed to Rohit’s improved ability to counter short-pitched bowling, saying teams could no longer expect to trouble the Indian opener with that tactic.
“Teams have tried to go short at Rohit before, but he hits those for six now,” he said.
“Their role is to go pretty hard at the top and then set up a good score in the middle and let their power come in at the end,” Santner said.
Santner said New Zealand had already discussed India’s batting line-up within the bowling group, including how to operate against the senior batters in different conditions
Rohit and Kohli are now only playing the ODI format and Santner said the two are good for the game.
“They’re getting on, but they’re still playing very well. We saw it in the last series against the West Indies. I’ve seen it for a long time.
“They’re getting on, but they’re still playing very well. We saw it in the last series against the West Indies. I’ve seen it for a long time.