New Zealand’s Young Guns Sharpen Skills in Chennai Ahead of Subcontinent Tour
As New Zealand sets its sights on a packed subcontinent schedule over the next four months, including matches against Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and India, their promising young batters are honing their skills at the Chennai Super Kings Academy in south India.
Dean Foxcroft, Tim Robinson, and Mitch Hay, three of New Zealand’s brightest prospects, recently spent two weeks in Chennai, working closely with former New Zealand A and Wellington coach Sriram Krishnamurthy, who now heads the Super Kings Academy, and NZC’s talent identification manager, Paul Wiseman.
The trio faced local spinners, practicing a variety of sweeps on the black and red-soil pitches, while also competing in T20 games against Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) sides. This experience proved invaluable, as the young Kiwis prepare to tackle the challenging spin-friendly conditions they will encounter during the upcoming tour.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a natural sweeper, but having the exposure here is a great opportunity to learn from the coaches,” Hay said. “It’s been a good challenge to learn some different shots and different strategies on wickets that are spinning a lot more than at home.”
Meanwhile, allrounder Foxcroft and top-order batter Robinson have also picked up valuable insights on tackling spin, with Robinson emphasizing the need to get outside the line of the ball and commit to the sweep shot late to adjust to the length.
The trio’s time in Chennai comes as New Zealand navigates a rebuilding phase following their first-round exit at the T20 World Cup. With veteran captain Kane Williamson recently opting for a freelance contract, Foxcroft, Robinson, and Hay are poised to seize their opportunities in the upcoming subcontinent tours.
🔗 Source