Sachin Tendulkar Discusses Batting Challenges in New Zealand for Indian Cricketers

Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar recently shared valuable insights on the challenges of batting in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for patience and technique. As the Indian team prepares for their ODI series following a successful T20I campaign, Tendulkar's advice on adapting to conditions and the differences between Test and ODI formats offers crucial guidance for players. His discussion highlights the importance of understanding the unique challenges posed by New Zealand's climate and pitch conditions, making it essential reading for cricket enthusiasts and aspiring batsmen alike.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 4, 2026, 00:46 IST

Insights from Sachin Tendulkar on Batting in New Zealand

In a recent discussion, cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar shared his thoughts on the difficulties faced by batsmen in New Zealand, emphasizing the need for patience, proper technique, and the ability to adjust to varying conditions. He also elaborated on the contrasting approaches required for Test matches compared to One-Day Internationals (ODIs).

Currently, the Indian cricket team is touring New Zealand, having secured a 3-2 victory in the five-match T20I series. The team, led by Shubman Gill, is set to begin a five-match ODI series at Eden Park in Auckland on Wednesday, followed by a two-match Test series starting on November 19.

During a Reddit Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, Tendulkar was queried about why New Zealand is often regarded as one of the toughest environments for batsmen among the SENA nations (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) in Test cricket, and what adjustments are necessary for success.

Tendulkar explained that the cooler climate, the presence of grass on the pitch, and windy conditions can create advantageous scenarios for fast bowlers, especially those who maintain an upright seam position. He stated, "In New Zealand, the cooler temperatures keep the pitch fresh, and if there’s sufficient grass, bowlers can thrive, particularly with an upright seam. The wind also benefits fast bowlers."

He advised batsmen to keep the ball close, play it late, and depend on their front-foot defense, stressing that patience and waiting for the right scoring opportunities are essential.

"As a batsman, it’s crucial to keep the ball near your body, play it late, and trust your front-foot defense. Hitting on the rise can be difficult, so patience and waiting for the right chances are vital," he added.

When asked about the challenges of adjusting to different playing conditions during overseas tours, particularly when switching between ODI and Test formats, Tendulkar highlighted the need to slow down one's thought process and pay more attention to the line and length of deliveries in Test cricket.

"In Test cricket, it’s important to slow down your thinking and respect line and length more than you would in ODIs. In ODIs, you can play a ball to third man and run to the non-striker’s end, but in Test cricket, you risk going back to the pavilion," he explained.

As India, under Shubman Gill's leadership, transitions into the ODI phase after their T20I success, they aim to maintain their momentum, while New Zealand looks to capitalize on their late resurgence in the T20I series.