The bowlers are trying to catch up: New Zealand’s Santner

It is not often that an exceptionally skilled cricketer like Mitchell Santner hopes and prays for a certain setting instead of banking on his box of tricks.

But such has been the ferocity of India’s T20 batting that the New Zealand white-ball captain wished for surfaces with some assistance for the bowlers in the forthcoming five-match home series.

“We know how good India is. It has power all the way through, as we have seen against the West Indies with high scores and on flat pitches. Hopefully, the pitches are not too flat here because we know what India can do in small grounds,” Santner said during a virtual interaction on Wednesday.

“But if that is the case, we have to find a way to neutralise a powerful attack. We have to turn up, see what is in front of us and adapt as quickly as we can.” The left-arm tweaker, who is a master of subtle variations, spelt out possible tactics to keep the batters in check, but it is easier said than done.

“The only way to stop a team like India is by taking wickets throughout [the innings]. It will be good to take wickets in the PowerPlay even if we go for a few runs. We need to combat the explosive nature of the batters with plans. In the middle overs, we must see if we can go for six singles [in an over] and apply pressure on them,” Santner added.

The 34-year-old stressed that the bowlers were left helpless in the shortest format in this day and age. “The batters have adapted faster while the bowlers are trying to catch up. But with the boundary sizes and flat pitches, there is not much we can do.”

Santner, however, is not one to shy away from a challenge.

(Watch India tour of New Zealand live and exclusive on Sony Sports Network and Sony LIV starting October 22).