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”New Zealand conditions are ideal for seam-bowling all-rounders”: Sanjay Bangar
By Shruti - Jan 13, 2020 4:00 pm
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Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has shared his views for India’s upcoming series against New Zealand. He feels a seam-bowling all-rounder will be ideal for the Indian Test team in New Zealand considering New Zealand’s favourable conditions for those who can move the ball.

bangar
Sanjay Bangar

While he supported the largely retained squad that played against Bangladesh at home in November, Bangar backed all-rounder Vijay Shankar to be a part of the squad for the two Tests there. Shankar was a part of India’s World Cup squad before an injury ruled him out of the campaign in July in the United Kingdom.

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“If they go in with 17 players, then there is place for a reserve batsman and all-rounder. Now New Zealand conditions are ideal for seam-bowling all-rounders,” Sanjay Bangar said on ‘ESPNcricinfo’.

“You see what an impact Colin de Grandhomme has had on the New Zealand team. So someone like Vijay Shankar can be an ideal candidate for that slot, given he is fit wherein it gives the right balance to the squad if he bats at No.6. It will also give India a batting depth and a fifth bowling option,” he added.

The upcoming Test series between India and New Zealand is a part of the World Test Championship and a series win will definitely help India’s chance of reaching 2021 final as well. However, for the reserve batsman, Sanjay Bangar took Prithvi Shaw’s name. Shaw made his Test debut against West Indies but soon faced a ban for a few months. Although he returned to the circuit late last year, an injury he suffered during a Ranji Trophy game once again ruled him out of India A team for the upcoming series.