09 March,2016 08:26 AM IST | | Harit N Joshi
No T20 exposure in the last month before the World T20 begins could be a hindrance for the Kiwis' goal of winning their maiden World T20 title. But their skipper Kane Williamson didn't seem too concerned about it
The preparations for most teams participating in the ICC World T20 started well in advance with players getting into overdrive mode with the shortest format.
New Zealand all-rounder Grant Elliott takes a selfie with media persons in the background at a city hotel yesterday. Pic/Bipin Kokate
India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, whose team has now played 11 T20Is on the trot since January, recently said that it is easier to make a switch from T20s to Tests rather than the other way round.
New Zealand are perhaps an exception going into the World T20. The Black Caps have played just five T20 Internationals (two against Sri Lanka in January and three against Pakistan in the same month) during the last couple of months.
ODIs & Tests vs Oz
They come into the tournament with a two-Test series against Australia at home followed by a hard-fought three-match ODI series against the same opponents.
No T20 exposure in the last month before the World T20 begins could be a hindrance for the Kiwis' goal of winning their maiden World T20 title. But their skipper Kane Williamson didn't seem too concerned about it.
"We have won a couple of T20s (referring to wins against SL and Pakistan), then played some Tests. That's the nature of international cricket. You are playing three formats and quite a lot.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson addresses the media yesterday
"It was nice to play a bit of cricket, get a few days' off. We went to Dubai for a bit of training. Then, we came here in Mumbai. I think it's a good build-up. Here in training at the Wankhede Stadium, (yesterday) the guys hit a couple of sixes, which is always nice to see. Hopefully, we can do it in the matches," said Williamson.
Encouraged by Brendon
The New Zealand skipper, who had no qualms in terming their opening opponent India 'as favourites' for the World T20, hoped to carry on the aggressive brand of cricket instilled by Brendon McCullum.
"I suppose it is a small transition losing your captain and a top order batter, but it is just part and parcel of the game we play.
"He certainly led by example, but he encouraged others to do the same. He created a lot of leaders in the group.
"We certainly saw it on the field, but the focus was very much off the field, team culture and guys playing for one another, selfless cricketers, guys going out and committing to the situation for the side. I think it's important that it's continued," said Williamson.
