New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner, having arrived in Kolkata for the semifinal clash with South Africa, expressed that an extra day of rest would have been beneficial for his team. Despite the tight schedule, the team had a productive practice session at the Eden Gardens to prepare for the match. The change in playing conditions from Sri Lanka to Kolkata is acknowledged, but Santner remains optimistic about his team’s readiness.
Santner highlighted the advantage of his teammates’ experience with Indian conditions through their participation in the IPL and bilateral series. He emphasized the importance of adapting quickly to the varying conditions and opposition strategies during the match. While familiarity with the conditions is beneficial, Santner stressed the significance of on-field performance and adaptability.
As the semifinal coincides with India’s Holi celebrations, Santner expressed hope for his team to entertain and add vibrancy to the festivities. Despite noting that the wickets have not spun as expected, Santner believes that spinners still have a crucial role to play on the Eden Gardens pitch. He emphasized the need for adaptability and strategic bowling to contain a strong opponent like South Africa.
