Former New Zealand cricketer and current spin Bowling Coach of the Kolkata Knight Riders Dipak Patel gave his thoughts on the Kiwis’ T20 World Cup hopes, discussing New Zealand's spin bowling attack on Mornings with Ian Smith.
Patel identified Ish Sodhi as his preferred spinner for the Blackcaps, nudging out current left-armer Mitchell Santner.
“I think Ish Sodhi over the years has probably been our best spinner in T20 cricket,” Patel said.
“It’s good to see that he’s going to get a fair go.
“I’m not convinced with the other guys, I don’t think they’ve played enough international cricket.”
Patel wasn’t as confident with the recent form of Mitchell Santner, who starred for the Blackcaps in Tuesday’s T20 warm-up match.
“He’s just lost his way; I think he’s confused … I think he’s tried to attack too much at times,” Patel said.
“You’re always hearing from the Blackcaps management that he’s a batting all-rounder not a bowling all-rounder, that in itself is where his problem is.
“He’s just got carried away with the variations and what’s asked of him… I just don’t see any consistency with his bowling.”
With the T20 World Cup being played in a spin-friendly Dubai beginning this month, Patel said spin would be crucial in this year’s tournament.
“Spin is going to play a big part in Dubai… at the end of the day, it’s the bowlers that win you the game, no question about it.”
“Stack your team up with your best five or six bowlers… if you look back at the records of previous World Cups, the spinners are at the top of the records.”
New Zealand begin their T20 World Cup campaign next Wednesday against Pakistan at Sharjah Cricket Stadium in the UAE.