Veteran New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell emphasised on January 7 that the Black Caps are remaining 'where their feet are', prioritising the upcoming white-ball series against India over the T20 World Cup scheduled for next month. Despite the significance of the looming showpiece tournament, Mitchell noted that the team’s current focus is entirely on the immediate challenge of navigating a world-class Indian bowling attack in front of packed domestic crowds.
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Kiwis laser focused on ODI series vs India, not T20 World Cup: Daryl Mitchell
The tour which kicks off on January 11, features a three-match ODI series followed by five T20Is across various Indian venues. The home side enters the contest with a formidable lineup bolstered by the experience of stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. While these matches serve as critical preparation for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, the Kiwis are determined to treat the bilateral series as a standalone priority rather than a mere warm-up.
"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 Chakravarthy," Mitchell told 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," he added.
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Daryl Mitchell wary of challenging conditions in India
In a notable selection move, spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy have been omitted from the ODI squad for the New Zealand series. The decision appears to be a strategic one by the BCCI to manage their workloads, as both players are expected to be key figures in the five-match T20I series and the subsequent T20 World Cup.
Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Mitchell noted that success in India will hinge on the team's ability to adapt quickly to local conditions. He highlighted that handling the turning ball will be the primary test for the visitors, but expressed confidence that their previous experience playing on the subcontinent will help them stay competitive against India's spin attack.
"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. 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," Mitchell concluded.