Christchurch, October 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes experienced Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar could pose a significant threat with the new ball in New Zealand conditions as the five-match T20I series between the two sides begins on Thursday.
Bhuvneshwar has earned a recall to India’s T20I squad after nearly four years, returning to the national setup ahead of the series against New Zealand. He was subsequently drafted into the rain-affected fifth T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru as cover for Arshdeep Singh before replacing Mayank Yadav in the playing XI.
Speaking on the eve of the series opener in Christchurch, Santner said the conditions could suit the senior Indian pacer, particularly if the pitch offers movement.
“Bhuvi will love these conditions in New Zealand. If there’s anything in the wicket, he’ll find something out of it. Even on some flat ones in India, still manages to nip the ball and swing the ball. So with the new ball out here especially, he’ll be a challenge,” Santner said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The New Zealand skipper also pointed out that bowling in India has become increasingly challenging, given the high-scoring nature of recent matches.
“I mean in India it’s pretty challenging as a bowler these days, like we’ve seen in the recent series against West Indies, 250 getting chased down – who wants to be a bowler? – but he might like it out here a little better,” he added.
The 36-year-old Bhuvneshwar last represented India in the T20 World Cup semi-final against England at Adelaide Oval in November 2022. Strong performances in the Indian Premier League over the past two seasons have helped the experienced seamer earn his way back into the national setup.
Santner also highlighted India’s ability to dominate on flat batting surfaces, while noting that the larger boundaries at Hagley Oval could offer bowlers some relief in the opening match.
“First things first, both teams will need to assess conditions. If there’s a little bit in it, it’s harder to go extremely hard, but we know India have shown when it’s flat and good they’re very, very tough to stop.
“So one thing here, there’s slightly bigger boundaries as well, which is more in the bowlers’ favour, but again, if it’s flat and it’s not doing a hell of a lot, we’re going to have ways of slowing India down, because we know when it’s flat and small they are very, very good.
“If there is something in the pitch for the seamers to start, it’s obviously nice, but throughout the series we’re going around the country, they’re not all going to be green seamers and flying around, so both teams are going to have to adapt quickly to the conditions and then play accordingly,” he said.
The five-match series will test both sides’ ability to adjust to varying conditions across New Zealand, with Bhuvneshwar’s swing bowling expected to be a key factor if the pitches offer early assistance to seamers.
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