India in New Zealand, 2008/09New Zealand v India Series - Preview22-Feb-2009 18:07:00 IST
Mumbai/Chrischurch: The mystery and the mystique of the country and the fact that India have never won a series there in the last 41 years, clearly made Dhoni aware of what his side are up against. "Each place has its own demands and challenges. New Zealand is a difficult challenge. The best we can do is to provide the right environment so that the team can practice, plan well and execute things of perfectioin." Dhoni said.
At the same time Dhoni sought to downplay suggestions of his boys being uder presure. "Overseas assignments are tough and New Zealand is unique in sme ways. We have to ensure that we give it our 100%. We have to perform as a team to win. It's not about how much pressure we are under.", he remarked.
Dhoni called upon each player in his side to put in their best in search of history. "The challenge is not about what roles certain individuals will play. It's bout form and adaptablitiy."
India's South African coach Gary Kirsten, who himself excelled as a batsman in New Zealand, termed the opposition as fighters but was sure of the Indian team risiing to the challenge. "The Kiwis are comptetitive and are fighters. It's not an easy team to beat at home. Any team wanting to do that will need to understand the conditions there and the weather", he said.
The last time India toured New Zealand six years ago they went down 2-0 in Tests and lost the One-day series 2-5. But India's current form in all three forms of the game has Vettori worried and he said stopping Dhoni and Sehwag could turn into a nightmare for his bowlers.
| ITINERAY |
Feb 25: 1st T20
Feb 27: 2nd T20
Mar 03: 1st ODI
Mar 06: 2nd ODI
Mar 08: 3rd ODI
Mar 11: 4th ODI
Mar 14: 5th ODI
Mar 18-22: 1st Test
Mar 26-30: 2nd Test
Apr 03-07: 3rd Test |
New Zealand could claim moral victory though Austrlia's cricket team retained the Chappell Hadlee Tropby after the series finished 2-2 with the decider being washed out. India series going to be huge backing up after Australia, but hopefully we can take confidence into the series.", Vettori said.
Former Indian speedster and match referee Javagal Srinath, like many others, believes that Zaheer Khan and Ishant Sharma form the most lether pace bowling combination in the world. But he feels they won't be half as effective in the longer run unless a regular third seamer is roped in as back-up.
If you leave aside the injury aspect, Munaf Patel has been decent form. Balaji has worked his way back well and Dhawal Kulkarni looks a good prospect. And they couldn't have got a better chance than the New Zealand tour to make an impression.
All of them are in the 125-135 kmph range, but that doesn't worry Srinath too much. Ishant Sharma is fastest bowler in India, his speed 140-150 kmph.
