Cricket

IND vs NZ 2021: It’s been good to see some of the young guys come through, says Rahul Dravid

India’s head coach Rahul Dravid was delighted to note the development of some of the young players in the T20I series against New Zealand but at the same time, he wants to take a realistic approach.

India’s young guns were able to grab their chances in the three-match T20I series against the Kiwis as the hosts clean sweep the visitors.

Players like Harshal Patel, Venkatesh Iyer, and Ishan Kishan were able to grab their opportunities with both hands. Patel in particular was the most impressive as he scalped four wickets in the two matches he played against the Blackcaps at an economy rate of 7.28. Furthermore, Axar Patel also impressed as he scalped three wickets and conceded only nine runs in the final match of the series.

However, Dravid understands that it wasn’t easy for New Zealand as they were coming into the series after a heartbreaking loss in the T20 World Cup final against Australia and also didn’t play their best team in the T20I series.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and be realistic, especially with bigger things down the line in the next 12 months,” Dravid told host broadcaster Star Sports after the third T20I in Kolkata. “It’s not easy for New Zealand to play a World Cup final, turn up three days later, and play three games in six days. We knew it was never going to be easy on them.”

Dravid added that it is imperative to help these young players to continue developing their skills and give them the right exposure at the top level.

“It’s been great to see the younger guys come through, we’ve given opportunity to some of the guys who haven’t played too much cricket in the last few months with the seniors taking rest,” Dravid said. “The greatest takeaway for us is to see the skills available to us. We need to continue developing those skills.”

It is well known that India has a potent bench strength and a lot of players have come through the ranks from the IPL. Dravid said it is a great advantage to have for the bright prospect of Indian cricket.

“It’s really nice that we have options,” Dravid said. “We can mix and match. Its going to be a long season, lots of games to be played till the next World Cup and we need to do that [rest and rotate] with some of our players and be realistic about how much cricket needs to be played.”

The first Test match between India and New Zealand will be played in Kanpur from November 25.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

India’s Junior Men Clinch Bronze with Gritty 2-1 Win Over Australia in Four Nations Tournament

The Indian junior men’s hockey team wrapped up their campaign at the Four Nations Tournament… Read More

June 26, 2025

Suryakumar Yadav Undergoes Successful Sports Hernia Surgery, Eyes Return for Bangladesh Tour

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has successfully undergone surgery for a sports hernia in his… Read More

June 26, 2025

Golden Glove Winner Jaspreet Singh Joins Bengaluru FC in Key Summer Move

Bengaluru FC have taken a decisive step toward rebuilding their squad by signing goalkeeper Jaspreet… Read More

June 26, 2025

Ravi Shastri says opening Test loss against England is a tough pill to swallow for India

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri believes the opening Test loss against England is a… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says England batters’ approach made Jasprit Bumrah desperate for wickets in 2nd innings of 1st Test

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes England batters were able to find a way… Read More

June 26, 2025

Varun Aaron says Karun Nair will be disappointed with his opening Test performance against England

Former Indian fast bowler Varun Aaron believes Karun Nair will be disappointed after he failed… Read More

June 26, 2025