Dinesh Karthik reckons touring IND after loss in the final would be ‘mentally tough’ for NZ

New Zealand endured yet another heartbreak as they fell to an eight-wicket defeat against Australia in the finals of the T20 World Cup 2021. The Kane Williamson-led side put a commendable fight and posted 172/4 while batting first at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. However, blistering half-centuries from David Warner and Mitchell Marsh meant the Men in Yellow crossed the line with seven balls to spare.

The Kiwis, however, don’t have much time to grief over their loss as they have a much-important tour of India in the pipeline. New Zealand are slated to play three T20Is and a couple of Test matches in the sub-continental nation, starting from November 17. While the Blackcaps have dominated India in recent past, former Indian wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik feels taking on the Men in Blue after losing the final clash would test New Zealand team’s mental strength.

New Zealand will do everything they can do to put up a good show in India: Dinesh Karthik

“It will be a bit hard mentally. New Zealand had a great year, finals of both the World Test Championship and the T20 World Cup, one they won and one they lost. They will take this bilateral series as a step to the WC next year. They’ll do everything they can do to put up a good show in India,” said Karthik while previewing the T20I series between India and New Zealand on Cricbuzz.

Former Indian speedster Zaheer Khan, who was a part of the same panel, had a different perspective over the matter. He reckoned that since New Zealand lost the T20 World Cup final, playing cricket after such a short interval would be the solution to help them move on from the loss.

“Had they won the tournament, being champions and being asked to play again in 3 days time, that would have been the worst thing possible because you want to enjoy what you have done. Since they lost the tournament, it’s not a bad thing that NZ have to play again in 3 days time, it will help them move on,” opined Zaheer.

Meanwhile, India have done well at home across formats in recent years. Hence, they would be determined to extend their winning streak. However, New Zealand would back them to defy the odds as they thrashed the Men in Blue by eight wickets in the league stage of the T20 World Cup.