Veteran India wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik said that it will be a great challenge for New Zealand to tour India within three days after the T20 World Cup Final. However, they faced an eight-wicket defeat to Australia as well on November 14.
Karthik added that the players will try to do their best in India, considering that the next World Cup is only a year away. Meanwhile, defending champions Australia will host the next edition of the marquee event.
Skipper Kane Williamson reflects on the team's efforts at the @T20WorldCup in the UAE. #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/J9Nn1lTH2r
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) November 14, 2021
While talking about the T20I series between India and New Zealand on Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said:
“It will be a bit hard mentally. New Zealand had a great year, finals of both the World Test Championship and the T20 World Cup, one they won and one they lost. They will take this bilateral series as a step to the WC next year. They’ll do everything they can do to put up a good show in India.”
However, New Zealand will tour India for a three-match T20I series and a two-match Test series which will begin with the first T20I on November 17 as well.
The series against India will help the Kiwis focus on next year’s mega-event – Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan, meanwhile, said that the opportunity within such a short interval is an advantage. He also feels that it will help the Kiwis focus on next year’s mega-event as well.
“Had they won the tournament, being champions and being asked to play again in 3 days time, that would have been the worst thing possible because you want to enjoy what you have done. Since they lost the tournament, it’s not a bad thing that NZ have to play again in 3 days time, it will help them move on,” he added.
Notably, New Zealand has already announced its squad for the T20I series against India. Daryl Mitchell has replaced the injured Devon Conway in the squad. Conway, however, is trying to get fit for the upcoming Test series.
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