Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (BCCI Photo)

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner is expecting a tough challenge when India’s ODI specialists Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma return to New Zealand later this year. Kohli and Rohit now play only ODI cricket and will be back in action when India tour New Zealand for five ODIs, five T20Is and two Tests in October-November.Santner knows the experienced Indian batters have enjoyed playing in New Zealand in the past. He hopes that will not be the case this time."It is going to be a challenge. They are still very good players as we have seen for a long time; masters of the ODI game. They have taken a liking to some New Zealand pitches in the past. Hopefully, not this time around," Santner told PTI."It is going to be a great series, no doubt. It is all a lead-up for the World Cup next year in ODIs. Everyone is trying to figure out their best team; what that might look like for October next year with limited games."

New Zealand want to beat India at home

Santner said New Zealand's first target will be to win the ODI series against India at home.The Blackcaps will play five ODIs against India, followed by three ODIs against Sri Lanka at home. They will then travel to England for World Cup preparations in September 2027."We've got five (matches) against India, three against Sri Lanka at home and then it is World Cup prep in England (in September 2027), right before the World Cup," he said."(But) first things first, you want to win a series against India at home, which would be an awesome thing. Then it is (about) trying to find what the make-up might look like come October next year," Santner added.

India tour of New Zealand: Full schedule

Series:5 T20Is5 ODIs2 Tests

Santner recalls India's 3-0 Test loss

India and New Zealand last met in a Test series in India, with the Kiwis recording a historic 3-0 win. The result ended India's unbeaten home Test run, which had lasted more than 12 years and 18 series.With India's Test team now going through a change, Santner believes the two-Test series in New Zealand could be difficult for some of the new players."I think what we spoke about before is trying to adapt quickly," said Santner, who took 7/53 and 6/104 in the second Test at Pune to seal the series win, recalling the tour."For a new-look India side, it is probably going to be the first time some players have been playing red-ball (cricket) in New Zealand, where the pitches will be a little bit foreign. They will probably do a bit more than they might do back home."

‘Very well-rounded’ India squad

Santner, however, feels India's current Test team is strong and has a good balance.He described the squad as "well-rounded" and said it has been "shaping up nicely"."If you look at their squad, it is a very well-rounded squad. You throw (Jasprit) Bumrah back into the bowling attack, you have got (Mohammed) Siraj, (Prasidh) Krishna with the bounce. You have got (Ravindra) Jadeja and (Manav) Suthar to bowl spin. You have got probably a fourth seamer in there as well.""It is shaping up nicely. I think it is going to be a great series. Traditionally, it can do a little bit in New Zealand at that time of the year," Santner said.

‘Fight fire with fire’

Santner also spoke about how teams may need to approach Test cricket in New Zealand. He said batters may have to play their shots at times, while also being ready to defend and see off the new ball.He continued, "It could be trying to fight fire with fire, playing your shots. There might be times we need to sit back and let the bowlers go for a bit, try to get the shine off the ball. There is a lot that can go on in the Test matches in New Zealand. It is going to be an exciting series and one that we can't wait for."

Why only two Tests?

When asked why the India-New Zealand series has only two Tests, Santner pointed to New Zealand's history of playing shorter Test series as well as financial factors."For a long time, New Zealand played two-match series. There’s obviously the money side of it as well.""I know it costs a lot to play Test cricket. (It is about) timing as well; white-ball brings in the crowds in New Zealand, it brings the money. That's why I guess it is the 10-2 split."However, Santner said playing India, even in a two-Test series, remains a major opportunity for New Zealand."Whenever India come, even if it is only two Test matches, it is going to be exciting. Everyone wants to challenge themselves against the best in the world and they are up there. For us, it is going to be an important series like it is for India with the (World Test Championship) points that are on offer."