Kyle Jamieson Emphasizes Importance of India Tour for T20 World Cup Preparation
New Zealand's Strategic Tour of India
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 6: New Zealand fast bowler Kyle Jamieson expressed that the upcoming tour of India serves as an excellent opportunity for preparation ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which will also take place in India and Sri Lanka.
The New Zealand team is scheduled to engage in three One Day Internationals (ODIs) followed by five T20 Internationals against India from January 11 to January 31. After these matches, both teams will compete in the T20 World Cup 2026, commencing on February 7.
As the first ODI approaches, Jamieson noted that the series is being utilized as crucial preparation for the T20 World Cup, emphasizing the team's goal to be fully equipped to contend for the championship. He pointed out that playing against formidable opponents in India, acclimatizing to local conditions, and adapting to the climate and time zones will significantly benefit their readiness for the tournament.
“Our aim is to prepare thoroughly to enhance our chances of winning the World Cup. We are no different from other teams in this regard. The goal is to arrive as well-prepared as possible and strive for a positive outcome,” Jamieson stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
“This is an ideal preparation phase, as we will be playing high-quality cricket against strong competition in the very conditions where the World Cup will be held. Spending a month here allows us to acclimatize to the environment, time zone, and temperatures, all of which are crucial for playing cricket in this country. We are genuinely looking forward to it,” he added.
All-rounder Daryl Mitchell also shared insights, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on the present. He stated that the team prioritizes the ongoing ODI series and the subsequent T20 series against India before shifting their focus to the T20 World Cup.
“While the T20 World Cup is always an exciting prospect, our team's strength lies in concentrating on the current moment. Being present is a core value for us. Therefore, we will focus on the ODI series first, then transition to the T20 series against India, and finally, we will look ahead to the World Cup,” Mitchell remarked.