Correspondent, 21 October: Indian team captain Shreyas Iyer has delivered a clear message to his players upon arriving in New Zealand, stating that the squad must find a way to secure victories rather than making excuses. His firm directive comes as India and New Zealand prepare to begin a series featuring T20, ODI, and Test matches starting tomorrow.
Iyer emphasized that participating in continuous cricket and adjusting to new environments is simply a part of the sport. He noted that despite an extremely busy schedule, the primary focus of conversations inside the dressing room revolves entirely around how to win matches under challenging circumstances.
The captain pointed out that the playing conditions in New Zealand are not entirely unfamiliar to the team. Drawing a comparison to England, he mentioned that pitches are prepared based on prevailing conditions, making it difficult to predict exactly how the surface will behave on any given day. However, he expressed confidence that the squad will gain a much clearer understanding of the pitch following their practice session, allowing them to formulate their strategies accordingly.
Addressing the bowling attack, Iyer noted that several new bowlers have entered the Indian squad following the IPL. He stated that veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar will compensate for this lack of bowling experience, predicting that Kumar's seasoned presence will prove decisive for the team. Additionally, Iyer admitted that New Zealand will certainly benefit from their home-ground advantage, acknowledging that the hosts' superior familiarity with the various venues and conditions could play a critical role in the series.
Characterizing the heightened competition for team selection as a "good headache," Iyer clarified that players must execute their roles based on the squad's requirements. With Ishan Kishan currently performing well at the number three spot in the side, Iyer stated there is no need to promote himself up the batting order. He firmly affirmed his willingness to bat at any position, depending on the specific match situation and the team's immediate needs.
