The five-T20I series will begin on October 22 in Christchurch.
Former India head coach Ravi Shastri issued a statement ahead of the five-T20I series between India and New Zealand, warning the visitors that their reputation alone won't win them the series.
Shastri emphasized that the Kiwis will come out firing in their familiar, pace-friendly local environments and urged Shreyas Iyer’s men to aggressively transfer the pressure back onto the hosts from the very first ball.
The T20I series opener is scheduled to be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Thursday (October 22). This fixture marks the opening of a multi-format six-week bilateral assignment, also comprising five ODIs and two Test matches.
"New Zealand will come hard at India. They know their conditions, they do their homework and they make you earn every win. India have the firepower, but reputation won't win them this series.
"They have to get out there, absorb the pressure and put it straight back on New Zealand. That is what I'll be watching for from the first T20I on October 22," Shastri said on the eve of the first T20I via Sony Sports Network.
Beyond the white-ball games, former India batter Ajinkya Rahane stressed that winning the two Test matches later on this tour is absolutely vital for India to secure a spot in the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Rahane also shared his excitement regarding the recall of veteran swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to India’s T20I squad.
"India's tour of New Zealand is a crucial one, with so many aspects to look forward to. New Zealand conditions provide a very different challenge in Test cricket and the Indian batters will be tested. Winning the two Tests will be crucial to staying in contention for a spot in the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
"I'm really happy to see Bhuvneshwar Kumar back in the squad; his experience will come in handy in the T20Is. Overall, it's going to be a tough tour with back-to-back games, which will test the bench strength too. I would advise the team not to think too far ahead, but to focus on each match and stick to their plans," Rahane stated.
Legendary spinner Ravichandran Ashwin described the New Zealand assignment as one of the sternest tests in world cricket due to the constant need to adapt.
"A tour of New Zealand is one of the most demanding assignments in world cricket because it constantly tests a team's ability to adapt.
"Every format presents a different challenge, whether it's reading conditions in T20Is, building momentum in ODIs or showing patience and discipline in Test cricket. India have the quality to compete across formats, and I'm looking forward to analysing what promises to be a fascinating series," he said.
Ashwin will be part of the English, Hindi and Tamil commentary panel during the T20Is, while Rahane will be in the Hindi line-up for all three formats and Shastri will be part of the English line-up for the white-ball matches.
(With IANS Inputs)