Star New Zealand batsman Daryl Mitchell has stated that the Kiwis are motivated to do well in the white-ball matches against India and would not let the upcoming T20 World Cup serve as a distraction. The Blackcaps will play three ODIs and five T20Is versus the Men in Blue beginning this week.
Mitchell is looking forward to taking against a “world-class” Indian team in their own backyard, within crowded stadiums. The right-handed hitter, who hit a brilliant century in the 2023 ODI World Cup against India, also commended Indian bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy.
“We’ll look at the T20 World Cup in a month. For now we’ll worry about playing an ODI series against India, and they’ve got some pretty good bowlers themselves with the likes of Bumrah and Chakaravarthy,” Mitchell told the media during New Zealand Cricket’s Golf Day organised by TCM Sports.
“A really key value for us as the New Zealand cricket team is being where our feet are and that means being in the present and what the challenge is at that moment. That’s the exciting thing is we’ve got three ODIs against the world-class Indian team in Indian conditions in front of full crowds. So we’ll be where our feet are. We’ll control the now and we’ll look forward to the World Cup in a month.”
Daryl Mitchell
It’s a great challenge when you come into these parts: Daryl Mitchell
Daryl Mitchell stressed the importance of adapting to the various environments that exist around the world. He stated that he hopes to benefit from his prior experiences playing in India and perform well in the next matches.
“I’ve been playing international cricket for a little while now and as a part of playing international cricket you have to adapt to different conditions all around the world.”
Daryl Mitchell
“It’s a great challenge when you come into these parts. As a New Zealander, you don’t grow up on surfaces like this. So I’ll be able to draw on experiences that I’ve had in the last few years and take on the positives such as the ODI World Cup in 2023.”
Daryl Mitchell
The first One-Day International between India and New Zealand will be played on Sunday, January 11, at the BCA Stadium in Vadodara.
