Bump
Bump
Bump
India on 166/3 and probably with a slight edge. New Zealand's normally brilliant fielding is letting them down a bit here.
Anyone's game at this stage.
And the winner .....well picked Rooi.
2,769 posts
Hello Ruckers and Denise.
(The match will be shown live here)
As we gear up for Sunday’s showdown, it’s not just India that’s feeling at home in these ‘neutral’ conditions; New Zealand is also poised to make a significant impact. The familiar pitches, reminiscent of Chepauk, offer a comfortable atmosphere for players like Rachin Ravindra, Devon Conway, Daryl Mitchell, Mitchell Santner, and Matt Henry, all of whom have honed their skills with Chennai Super Kings. Their experience here has given them insights into how to navigate the unique characteristics of the pitches.
The pitch conditions in Dubai during the Champions Trophy have shown a clear pattern: slow and sluggish, with a tendency to get even slower as matches progress. There's just enough turn to keep batsmen on their toes, while the bounce is low, requiring wicketkeepers to collect the ball around waist height. If Stephen Fleming were to set up shop at the MA Chidambaram Stadium later this month, CSK would undoubtedly feel right at home.
Before this season, which featured Tests in Sri Lanka and India alongside a tri-series and the Champions Trophy, Rachin trained on similar pitches at the CSK Academy in Chennai. This preparation has paid off, as he currently stands as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 226 runs, including two centuries. His fellow opener Conway also benefited from training in Chennai during the IPL before joining the Black Caps. “There’s definitely an advantage to this familiarity,” says Sriram Krishnamurthy, head coach of the CSK Academy.
“New Zealand’s cricket calendar offers more flexibility compared to the busy schedules of England or Australia, allowing players to focus on improving their game. Familiarity with conditions is crucial,” he adds. With the majority of cricket being played in the subcontinent, New Zealand’s players don’t visit these regions often, making any chance to acclimate invaluable. The IPL has been a significant opportunity for these players to experience subcontinental playing conditions.
Once on the ground, players like Rachin, Conway, and Mitchell have tailored their games to meet the demands of the conditions rather than seeking out entirely new approaches. While many visiting batsmen lean heavily on sweeping against spinners in India, New Zealand has taken a different route. They’ve adopted strategies that involve using their feet and balancing aggression with defense, which has led to their success. In their recent match against India, their tactics were effective until Varun Chakaravarthy turned the tide.
Each player has their own method. For Conway, who excels against spin, the challenge has been to adapt to the conditions. Rachin, typically a back-foot player, has trained to adjust to the slow, turning surfaces while also learning to use his feet effectively. He has found success with the slog sweep in lieu of a traditional sweep. Meanwhile, Mitchell has adjusted his game to include more aggressive footwork against spinners, countering their knowledge of his penchant for sweeping.
Sriram emphasizes the need for adaptability. “Playing spinners in New Zealand is vastly different than in the subcontinent. If you stick to the same techniques, you risk exposure. Having multiple options against the same delivery allows players to apply pressure on bowlers, which is essential in these conditions. New Zealand cricketers pride themselves on being clever and developing the necessary skills to support this mindset.”
Sriram, who previously worked with New Zealand’s High Performance Centre, notes the Kiwis’ creativity in preparing for spin challenges, even if it means training indoors during the off-season. “Even when they only have a few days before a tour, they don’t make excuses. Their preparation involves creative practice, whether it’s training on dry pitches or simulating conditions indoors with sand and gravel,” he explains.
This adaptability doesn’t stop at batsmen. New Zealand’s captain and lead spinner, Santner, has been learning from Ravindra Jadeja throughout his IPL tenure. Despite limited playing time, he has absorbed valuable lessons that have enhanced his game, particularly in speed variations. During the semi-finals against South Africa, Santner’s ability to manipulate speed proved crucial in dismissing key batsmen.
Last Sunday against India presented one of their toughest challenges yet in Dubai. As they head into the final against the same team, India must bring their best game to avoid falling victim to New Zealand’s knack for thriving in these conditions. It’s not mere humility from a team that remains unbeaten; it’s a genuine recognition that if anyone can adapt to Dubai’s unique environment, it’s New Zealand.