New Zealand spinner Santner warns of Test challenges for India tour

Mitchell Santner has provided insights into the difficulties India's Test squad will face during their New Zealand tour, highlighting the transition required when shifting focus from the shorter formats. The left-arm spinner acknowledged that Indian captains Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have established themselves as masters of ODI cricket, bringing significant experience to their respective formats.

However, Santner pointed to the contrasting demands of Test cricket as a potential obstacle for the touring party. The New Zealand cricketer explained that the Test format presents distinct challenges that require different skill sets and mental approaches compared to limited-overs cricket, particularly in conditions that favour seam bowling and variable pitches.

The two-Test series scheduled as part of India's tour presents a concentrated challenge for the visitors, with limited opportunities to build momentum or recover from early setbacks. Santner's assessment suggests New Zealand will look to exploit home conditions and the compressed nature of the format to their advantage.

India's preparation for the tour will likely focus on acclimatizing to local conditions while maintaining the tactical discipline required in the longest format of the game. The tour represents an important opportunity for the team to assess their Test credentials ahead of other international commitments.