Mike Hesson undoubtedly knows something about India and Indian cricket, and he is also an authority on the New Zealand team, having a thorough understanding of both sides. And he feels the India-New Zealand World Cup semifinal on Wednesday would be a battle between David and Goliath, but the Kiwis would not have preferred to face their formidable opponents anywhere other than the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
“I suppose it’s a bit like the David and Goliath story.” Isn’t that right? “India have been unbeaten throughout the tournament and are in fine form — so many match-winners against a team that just keeps fronting up,” Hesson, who has coached IPL teams for five years, believes.
“The Wankhede is a good venue for New Zealand.” If you’re going to play India anywhere, Mumbai is a good choice. I believe our bowling attack will find some traction there. As a result, if we receive bounce, we must take early wickets.
“New Zealand has had some success at the Wankhede.” I recall an ODI chasing after being in difficulty there not long ago (in 2017, they overcame India by six wickets pursuing 281). I believe Tom Latham scored 100 (103 not out), so he’ll remember the venue fondly, and he’s probably one of the top order who hasn’t been in vintage touch. The remaining top four have been flying. Glenn Phillips has done well, and I believe that if Latham can tackle the spin at the Wankhede, as he has in the past, he will be immensely influential.”
Hesson also believes that Mumbai is one of the few cities where the coin toss would not have a significant impact, which could benefit the Kiwis. “I don’t think the coin toss is as important as some other grounds, which is fantastic.” You don’t want the toss to have such a large influence on the outcome of a playoff game. I don’t think New Zealand would have any problems batting first if they were to, whereas in other venues when it becomes so wet and the dew accumulates, it can be difficult. If New Zealand bowls second, they will also swing the ball under lights. “Regardless of the coin toss, I believe it will be a close battle, which is a good thing.”
Hesson recognizes the Kiwis are underdogs, but they will not be taken lightly. “Making five semifinals in a row in some foreign countries for a country the size of New Zealand is a phenomenal achievement.” So they are, without a question, the underdogs, but they have enough talent in that squad to surely push India.”
Hesson has managed many Indian players while leading IPL sides Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, and believes India’s new ball attack would be crucial to the match’s outcome. “India’s new ball or seam attack has been exceptional in this World Cup.” Obviously, Mohamed Shami has been added to it, and he has offered another dimension to the power play. Jasprit Bumrah, on the other hand, is back to his best.
“Mohammed Siraj has had an incredible 18 months.” As a result, I believe that the new ball attack against New Zealand’s top order will set the tone. And if New Zealand can neutralize that and score, they’re arguably our greatest spinners as well.
“Add Latham to that.” I believe that if New Zealand can deal with India’s spin through the middle, they will have a much easier time. That is, assuming they can neutralize the new ball offensive. If they don’t, the middle order would be exposed to the likes of Ravindra Jadeja and Kuldeep Yadav, which will be a difficult ask.”
He feels the same way about New Zealand’s bowling but cannot ignore the reality that Rohit Sharma has been outstanding at the top of the order. “From a bowling standpoint, I think that’s an interesting challenge.” We’re all aware that bowling against Rohit will be a difficult challenge. The importance of Rohit’s experience in big games cannot be overstated. It would be fantastic if Trent’s Boult could make some inroads. It will be fascinating. Virat Kohli has been in fantastic form, and Mitchell Santner vs. Virat will be an intriguing match-up as well.”
In their league encounter, India defeated New Zealand (by four wickets with 12 balls remaining while chasing 273) in Dharamsala, but Hesson believes that result will have little bearing on Wednesday’s game. “Look, I think New Zealand always thought they were one wicket away from running through India.” It was close, despite the fact that India was constantly ahead in the game, but they never truly raced away with it. I believe they are one wicket away from allowing New Zealand to open an end. I believe the one thing about India is that they’re relatively brittle from eight on down. Only the top seven are truly exceptional. That is why it is critical to take top-order wickets. And if you can accomplish that, you may perhaps generate some uncertainty while trying to preserve the lower order.”
Having said that, Hesson admits that India are the favorites, despite the fact that New Zealand has done well against India in World Cups in the past, the most recent being the semifinals of the 2019 World Cup in Manchester. “Look, I don’t think there’s any doubt that India is the clear favorite, but based on their track record in previous major tournaments, I don’t think they’ll want to play New Zealand.” The reality is that you must defeat everyone. However, New Zealand has fared admirably against India in recent World Cups, and it is unlikely to count for anything more than bragging rights.
“But I just don’t think it’ll be as easy a match as some might think.” That’s only because New Zealand is known for rising to the situation. I believe India has a lot of match winners, but there is a lot of pressure on India. If New Zealand can instill fear in their opponents during the game, they will undoubtedly generate an opportunity. But that will be easier said than done.”
Trent Boult hasn’t been in fantastic form, but Hesson believes it’s not a major problem. “He hasn’t taken many wickets (13 from nine games), and he hasn’t swung the ball much.” Because New Zealand bowled first, the ball hasn’t swung as much. We know that when you bowl first at this time of year, the ball does not swing too much. It was a somewhat fresher pitch the other day at Bangalore (in the NZ-SL game), clearly a bit of rain around, so he got the ball to shape, and once the ball starts swinging, he’s a whole different bowler. So I believe the ball will land at the Wankhede.
“I believe Tim Southee feels the same way.” The absence of Matt Henry is a major loss, but the possibility to bring in Southee is a luxury. You have two swing bowlers. If the ball swings, New Zealand will play with a new ball. If it doesn’t, things will be difficult for Trent and Tim.”
Rohit has been in excellent form this World Cup, and his captaincy has garnered widespread praise, but Hesson believes that captaincy will play less of a part in a one-off game like the quarterfinal. “Rohit is in great form with the bat, which certainly helps your leadership, especially when you’re playing well and dominating games, doesn’t it?” When everything is running smoothly and you have so many strengths, captaining a team is a breeze. As I previously stated, you have five really talented bowlers. The diversity is fantastic. Your top seven batting performers are all match-winners. In many ways, your captaincy is simple. Rohit is an excellent captain, as is Kane (Williamson). So I believe the conflict between the two will be entertaining. However, I don’t believe captaincy in a one-off game will have a significant impact. I believe it is more about talent and who will stand out in terms of technique.”
Rachin Ravindra, according to Hesson, has shocked everyone with his performance, and New Zealand is not complaining. “With Rachin there, who obviously got runs against India in the last game, he’s confident and he’s a bit of a bonus (for us) — probably a surprise package,” he says of the Indian origin batter. Nobody on the New Zealand team expected Rachin to be so excellent. He’s a bit of an X-Factor, and I believe New Zealand will rely on him.
With the majority of the crowd supporting India, New Zealanders should brace themselves for a difficult situation. “The crowd will be incredible, but that is true throughout India, and if New Zealand is able to put India under pressure, then the crowd can fuel New Zealand rather than hurt them.” One thing that New Zealand has going for them is that they thrive on these opportunities. You thrive on playing top sides in their own setting, and it will be a hostile one from the opposition’s perspective.
“That group has a lot of experience.” They’ve all been around for a while, so they won’t be as intimidated as prior New Zealand teams might have been. There is sufficient experience. That leadership group is clearly led by Kane, Tom, and Tim.”
