Santner Warns of Bhuvneshwar Threat Before T20I Opener

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner singled out Bhuvneshwar Kumar as a potential threat ahead of the teams’ five-match T20I series, saying the Indian fast bowler could find swing with the new ball in New Zealand conditions. Bhuvneshwar went wicketless in the series opener on October 22, according to a match report that gave his figures as 49 runs conceded in four overs. Before the first match at Hagley Oval in Christchurch, Santner said Bhuvneshwar could generate movement even on flat pitches. He noted that the bowler had managed to make the ball swing on Indian surfaces and predicted he would be a challenge for New Zealand’s batters if conditions offered assistance. Bhuvneshwar had returned to India’s T20I setup after nearly four years away from the team. He was named in the squad for the New Zealand series and had also been added to India’s squad for the final T20I against the West Indies in Bengaluru, which was abandoned because of rain. He did not bowl in that match. Santner also pointed to India’s batting strength, saying the team could be difficult to contain on good surfaces. He mentioned Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma’s performances and said New Zealand had plans...