Sachin Tendulkar shares insights on batting challenges in New Zealand

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Former Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar explained the technical and tactical adjustments required to excel in New Zealand conditions, stressing the importance of disciplined footwork, patience, and adaptability across formats.

His insights come as the visiting Indian team, under the captaincy of Shubman Gill, prepares for a five-match ODI series starting Wednesday at Eden Park in Auckland, following their 3-2 victory in the T20I series. The tour will also feature a two-match Test series starting on November 19.

Responding to a query during a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session about why New Zealand remains one of the toughest SENA destinations for batters, Tendulkar explained how cloudy weather and pitch factors combine to help fast bowling.

“In New Zealand, cooler temperatures keep the surface fresh, and if there’s enough grass on the pitch, bowlers can have a field day, especially with an upright seam. The wind also favours fast bowlers,” Tendulkar said.

Offering advice to top-order batters navigating these challenging conditions, Tendulkar suggested playing late and staying compact.

“As a batter, you need to keep the ball close to your body, play it late and trust your front-foot defence. Hitting on the rise can be challenging, so patience and waiting for the right scoring opportunities are key,” he said.

Changing mindsets between Test and one-day formats

Addressing another question regarding the mental shifts necessary when moving between white-ball and red-ball cricket during an overseas tour, Tendulkar explained the need for greater discipline in the Test format.

He highlighted how Test cricket penalises risky shot selection far more severely than the 50-over game.

“In Test cricket, the important thing is to slow down everything in your head and start respecting line and length more than you would in ODIs. In ODIs you have the liberty of playing a ball to third man and going to the non-striker’s end, but in Test cricket, you can go back to the pavilion,” he concluded.

With the T20I series secured 3-2, India will aim to carry their winning momentum into the ODIs, while New Zealand look to capitalise on their strong finish in the shortest format.

(With inputs from agencies)

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