Nagpur. Does it strike a chord, especially with Mitchell Santner? A decade ago, this venue was the theatre of his merry dance — a four-for that decimated India in a T20 World Cup game. The hosts were 79 all out chasing 127 for victory on a tough pitch. They recovered to reach the semi-finals of the 2016 World Cup where the West Indies ended their march.
Another T20 World Cup is starting on February 7 and India’s preparations are entering home stretch with a five-match series against the Kiwis, commencing here in Nagpur on Wednesday. India can’t afford to lose in the semi-finals of the World Cup this time. But that’s something for later.
Santner is now New Zealand’s T20I captain. Jasprit Bumrah is the sole survivor in the current Indian side from that 2016 squad. Over the last few years, India have become unbeatable in the shortest format. They haven’t lost a T20I series since 2023. They haven’t lost a series at home in this format since 2019. Then again, New Zealand have become their biggest bogey team of late, making a mockery of India’s home dominance in Tests with a 3-0 whitewash last year and securing an ODI series win only two days ago despite fielding a depleted side. If they can make it three on the spin by winning the T20I series, they will put a serious dent in India’s confidence ahead of the ICC showpiece.
To take it in isolation, from India’s perspective, the ODI series loss should have no relevance going into the T20Is. They have match-winners aplenty in this format, and the whole dynamics change with Bumrah and Hardik Pandya in the playing XI. Add to this, Abhishek Sharma’s firepower at the top and Varun Chakravarthy’s guile in bowling. India in T20 cricket are a complete package.
Santner said as much at the pre-match press conference. Asked about New Zealand’s triumphs in Tests and the ODIs here and whether that will give his team a psychological edge, going into the T20I series, the skipper said: “We have some recent success against India in different formats. But I don’t think that gives us an edge going into the T20I series. India are a great team and it’s a great preparation for us before the World Cup.”
He added: “The results in the ODI series were good, but T20 is a different series against a different team.”
No disrespect to New Zealand and they have enough wherewithal to challenge India. But for the hosts to concede the series, they will have to perform below their potential. Certain things need serious improvements though and fielding tops the list. It’s hurting India across formats. Last summer in England, they dropped 23 catches in a five-Test series, and fielding coach T Dilip had spoken about adjusting to the slopes. India dropped 12 catches in the last Asia Cup, and Dilip had elaborated on how negotiating the “ring of fire” floodlights at the Dubai International Stadium was a big challenge. Dropping sitters was one of the reasons for India’s ODI series defeat against New Zealand. The team needs to get its act together, fielding-wise, else, it might hurt India at the World Cup.
Stadium makeover
The outfield and the pitches at the VCA Stadium here have undergone a complete makeover over the last couple of years. “The outfield is now completely sand-based and there’s no clay,” a Vidarbha Cricket Association functionary told RevSportz. “Now, there would be no delay for a wet outfield. Play can resume almost as soon as rain stops. Pitches have been relaid as well. We have 10 strips here and the first T20I will be played on the centre wicket.”
The pitch will have a bit of grass to bind the top soil. It will ensure even bounce, the ball coming on to the bat. The stadium has a capacity of 44,900 and 90 per cent of the tickets have been sold. Ticket prices range between Rs 650 and 7,000. Around 2,000 seats are reserved for the schoolchildren.
Also, the VCA Stadium would be hosting its 14th T20I fixture tomorrow. Eden Gardens with 12 are a close second.
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