As the Super 10 phase of the ICC World T20 2016 commenced, viewers were in for a shock when New Zealand massacred tournament favorites India at Nagpur. The primary reason for New Zealand’s victory was that they chose the team based on the conditions and not past reputation. The victory against Australia has nearly cemented their place for the semi-finals.
New Zealand are blessed to have a strong and settled core unit, which can adapt easily to the conditions. Coach Mike Hesson admitted that the IPL experience of a few members of the Blackcaps was handy indeed. “We look at a lot of footage and stats, and talk to a lot of people, but then ultimately you look at the surface and make your own assessment what you expect it to be,” Hesson said. “Thankfully, we have a lot of players who have played IPL. So we gather all the information we can, and pick up a team that suits the condition as well as the opposition.”
“We are lucky to have a good group of people who are focused on what the team needs,” Hesson said. “Although there is no doubt there is a little bit of disappointment, but players understand that we are doing this to pick the best team. It’s not that we like players more or less than others, we just are a matter of fact about it. As I said we are lucky to have good people who understand that, and they could well get an opportunity throughout the tournament. If they do, the others players left out have to be equally supportive,” he added.
Hesson however added that New Zealand’s middle order was a cause of concern. “Our middle order has probably lacked a bit of power in the past, and we think here we need a bit more power at the top,” he said. “Colin Munro and Corey Anderson provide that, and also provide a good left-right combination. Also we feel as the ball slows up we need a bit more experience through the middle. To have Ross, Grant Elliott and Luke Ronchi come out at key times in the game, that’s where we think we need that experience.”