Chennai: New Zealand are carrying the underdogs tag for the forthcoming series against visitors India, but former India skipper Ravi Shastri feels the hosts have players who are capable of turning the game on its head.
“I think it will be Ross Taylor, Brendon McCullum and Martin Guptill who have been very consistent and of course there is Jesse Ryder now who will hold the key.
Taylor is still New Zealand’s best batsman without a shadow of doubt as he showed that in the Test series against the West Indies. He seems far more settled in the game,” Shastri told BCCI.TV.
“Among the new names, Corey Anderson has been in news for Twenty20 cricket. There is difference between T20 and 50-over format. You have to bat for longer period.
So, we will only know over the next week whether he is actually a dangerous player and adapt for other formats,” said the 51-year-old.
Shastri said that the pace attack of NZ comprising Tim Southee, Corey Anderson, Mitchell McClenaghan and Kyle Mills has enough firepower to trouble any opponent.
“I think what the Kiwis lack is someone who can step on the gas and add that extra pace. But then, it doesn’t matter too much in the one-day game.
“What they would definitely try and ensure is that there is something in the pitch for their bowlers. And if that happens then this series will be exciting. If you play on flat tracks then New Zealand will give away their edge of playing in home conditions,” he added.
“Nathan McCullum is a wily customer. His job will be not just to contain but to also go for wickets. One thing in his favour is he knows how the Indians bat.
He knows that they will go after him but then it gives him a chance to pick up wickets as well,” said Shastri adding that Brendon and Taylor are the men who could prove dangerous for the Indians.
