IND vs NZ: Message Given To Them Is That They Bat Fearlessly But Also Keep Conditions And Situations In Mind – VVS Laxman

India National Cricket Team stand-in head coach VVS Laxman has revealed that the team management and captain Hardik Pandya have told the batters to play fearless cricket while keeping conditions and situations in mind in the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand.

The India tour of New Zealand 2022, which consists of a three-match ODI series and a three-match T20I series, will kick off on Friday, November 18, with a T20I game between the Hardik Pandya-led side and the Kane Williamson & Co. at the Sky Stadium, Wellington.

ICC Teams Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

ICC Teams Rankings | ICC Players Rankings

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, VVS Laxman said that in T20Is it becomes very crucial to play with freedom and fearlessness and Team India have got several players who are capable of doing that.

“In T20I cricket, we need to play with freedom and fearlessness and we have such players that can go out and express themselves. The message given to them by the captain and management is that they bat fearlessly but also keep conditions and situations in mind and create strategies accordingly,” said Laxman at a press conference.

He added that having multi-dimensional players in the team in T20Is is very important.

“More number of bowlers who can bat adds depth to batting lineup and gives freedom to batters to go out and express themselves. That is the need of the format and I am sure that more teams will try getting this in their selection process and identify players who are multi-dimensional,” he said.

It has been enjoyable for me – VVS Laxman on his journey as a coach

VVS Laxman, while talking about his journey as a coach, said it has been quite enjoyable and exciting.

“For me, we should not dive too much into results. It has been enjoyable for me. When I joined NCA, it was about giving back to Indian Cricket. It has been an opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with youngsters and it is fulfilling. What I saw in Ireland, that these youngsters are talented, but they always want to learn, grow and improve as players and it is exciting. Their thought process is exciting,” he said.

VVS Laxman further spoke about the grounds in New Zealand. He said:

“It is not about the smaller grounds, but the dimensions of the ground. In Wellington and Aukland, there are not normal cricket grounds. The best part of international cricket is that you have to adapt to conditions and situations. I am sure the team will do that. Based on the strengths and weakness of the opponents, you need to create a strategy and execute it perfectly.”

VVS Laxman also said that Indian cricket is blessed to have a large pool of talented cricketers. He added that giving players significant breaks helps them to “rejuvenate physically and mentally”.

“As selectors, you have to be mindful when a player is supposed to be given breaks as they help him rejuvenate physically and mentally. India has that pool from which we can choose. In white- ball, you need specialists. You need T201 specialists, which will be the way forward. Managing their workload, choosing the talent from the pool we have is a blessing for Indian cricket,” he concluded.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: “He Is A Special Cricketer” – Kane Williamson Hails Hardik Pandya Ahead Of India vs New Zealand White-ball Series