Cricket News Today: India get the better of New Zealand, Graeme Smith opens up on AB de Villiers' return and more - 24th January, 2020

#3 Virat Kohli takes a dig at packed schedule

Kohli took a dig at the tight schedule

India have played an enormous amount of cricket in 2020, despite the year only being 24 days old. In fact, they flew out of Bengaluru for Auckland merely 24 hours after their series against Australia had culminated. Inevitably, Kohli was asked on his opinion on the schedule and he appeared to take a slight jibe on the eve of the 1st T20I.

Well, it's definitely getting closer and closer to landing at the stadium and playing straight. That's how compressed the game has become but I think this kind of travel and coming to a place, which is seven hours ahead of India time, is always difficult to adjust to immediately.

He also added that that particular aspect was commonplace for international cricket these days and it was something that could be looked at in the future, especially when scheduling tours.

Moreover, he maintained that the quick turnaround would help his team remain in the zone, considering the proximity of the T20 World Cup and that particular aspect certainly came to the fore on Friday as they swatted aside the Black Caps’ challenge.

Read the full article here: New Zealand vs India 2020: Virat Kohli takes a dig at tight schedule

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#4 Sachin Tendulkar identifies potential challenges for Rohit Sharma

Sachin Tendulkar

In 2019, Rohit Sharma was cast as India’s Test opener against Bangladesh and South Africa. The Mumbai Indians skipper rose to the occasion and performed admirably, meaning that he pencilled down his spot in India’s upcoming Test rubber against New Zealand.

Thus, with a seemingly tough series ahead, Sachin Tendulkar opened up on the challenges that Rohit would potentially have to deal with. He quipped,

The challenge would be to go out and open in different conditions. I think Rohit had opened in New Zealand in ODIs and has been there quite a few times, he knows the conditions well. But all depends on surfaces that they provide. If they provide green tops, then it’s a challenge.

Read the full article here: New Zealand vs India 2020: Sachin Tendulkar identifies potential challenges for Rohit Sharma