NZ vs IND | India should be aggressive in T20Is but also focus on condition and situations, states VVS Laxman

After their semifinal exit in the T20 World Cup 2022, India and New Zealand are set to lock horns from November 18 in two white-ball series. The Indian team will miss the services of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and KL Rahul with an aim to manage their workload. Hardik Pandya will lead a young side in T20Is and a few of the players will have an opportunity to prove their worth for the national side. Also, head coach Rahul Dravid has been rested and VVS Laxman has stepped in for him. 

"Yes, our regular top order of Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul and Virat Kohli isn't here, but the players who have been selected have played a lot of international cricket, especially T20 cricket."

"India is very fortunate to have so many players to choose from. As a team management and selection committee member, you have to be mindful of when to give breaks to certain players. Breaks are important, to not only physically rejuvenate but also mentally,” Laxman explained.

"India is lucky to have that kind of bench, a pool of players to choose from. I think that will be the case going forward, especially in white-ball cricket, you require specialist players. Going forward, in T20s you will see a lot more T20 specialists, but managing their workload and choosing players from the pool we have is a blessing Indian cricket has."

"He's a fabulous leader. We've seen what he has done at Gujarat in the IPL. Someone taking on the leadership role in the first year itself and winning the Cup is no mean achievement. I have spent time with him from the Ireland series. He is not only tactically good but also very calm on the field. That's very important when you're playing at the highest level, because there will be situations where you will be under pressure. That's when as a leader you have to be calm,” Laxman concluded on the matter.