IND vs NZ 2021: We Have The Home Advantage But Can't Take NZ Lightly - Axar Patel

Indian left-arm off-spinner Axar Patel has his sights firmly set on the upcoming series against New Zealand at home. Going into the contest, he feels that the Kiwis can’t be taken lightly even though they’re playing away from home.

After the conclusion of the 2021 T20 World Cup, the New Zealand team led by Kane Williamson will be traveling to India to play a 3-match T20I series followed by two Tests that will be part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2021-23.

Although the Kiwis’ history in India is quite poor – they have won just two Tests in India, they cannot be taken lightly as they are high on confidence, especially having defeated Virat Kohli and co. in the WTC Final 2019-21 back in June.

“They perform better in seaming conditions than in pitches favouring spin. That will be challenging for them. We have the home advantage. At the same time, they’re playing really well in both red-ball and white-ball formats they defeated us in the World Test Championship final and therefore we can’t take them lightly,” Axar was quoted as saying to The Hindu.

“We have to be ready with our plans” – Axar Patel

Axar Patel is in tremendous form in the longest format, his latest exploit coming in his debut Test series against England at home where he took 27 wickets in just three matches, including 3 five-wicket hauls and one six-wicket haul.

“We have to be ready with our plans. I will try to perform as well as I’d done during the Test series at home against England. It will be a good series against New Zealand,” Axar mentioned.

The first Test will be played in Kanpur from November 25 where Ajinkya Rahane will stand in for Kohli, who is on a break. The 32-year-old Kohli will be back for the second Test set to be played in Mumbai from December 3.

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