Santner Says Dew Gives Chasing Teams Edge in India Series

New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes dew and the series’ later 8 PM local starts are giving chasing teams a significant advantage, after India chose to bowl first in both matches and moved 2-0 ahead in the T20I series.

Santner said the conditions are likely to remain influential through the series, with the ball tending to skid on more effectively in the second half. India have successfully completed two chases so far, including a tight finish in the latest match, reinforcing the value both sides have placed on bowling first at the toss.

Dew and later starts shape the early series pattern

Santner noted that there was less dew in the second game than in the first because of the wind, but he expects it to remain a factor. The New Zealand skipper highlighted the difference between the current 8 PM starts and the usual 7 PM local start time for T20 internationals in the country.

“There was less dew tonight than there was the first game, I think, because the wind was up a little bit,” Santner said. “But I think it’s going to be a factor throughout the series. I guess with it being so late, we usually start at 7 o’clock. So by the second half, the ball seems to skid on a little bit better.”

He added that both teams had looked to field first in the opening two games. While the latest chase was a close one, Santner pointed to the broader outcome: the chasing side has won on both occasions.

Santner also delivered a strong individual bowling performance, finishing with 4/21. However, India recovered through Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir and Nitish Reddy to complete the turnaround. Santner praised Tilak’s ability to handle a middle-order role and manage the chase, while also highlighting Naman’s freedom from the start of his innings.

“Tilak took his time a little bit today, but managed the chase very well with Reddy at the end,” Santner said. “So I think if you can finish off games as a finisher, you’re doing a pretty good job.”

New Zealand were also forced to manage two pace-bowling concerns. Matt Henry did not complete his quota after experiencing a tight calf, while Lockie Ferguson also left the field. Santner described both issues as precautionary and said the side did not want to take unnecessary risks with ODI and Test cricket to follow.

India’s late-over belief delivers another chase

India’s position became difficult after Naman’s dismissal, when the equation was 69 runs from 31 balls with four wickets remaining. Nitish said that he and Tilak focused on staying calm and trusting that one productive over could rapidly change the contest.

“When I got the four, we were just talking like we have to believe that we’re gonna get one strong good over and that’s what T20 game is always about,” Nitish said. He credited their running between the wickets, including turning good deliveries into twos, as well as punishing loose balls for boundaries.

Nitish said the pair used the ground dimensions to keep the score moving and put the bowlers under pressure. That approach took the chase deep before India got over the line.

The allrounder also addressed his recent injury struggles, describing them as part of the demands of his role. Nitish said his workload includes batting and bowling commitments in matches and practice, but stressed that he is happy to be playing for India and is focused on being available each day.

With India holding a 2-0 advantage, Santner’s assessment of dew, start times and the toss will remain central to the remaining matches. The first two games have provided a clear early trend: chasing has brought results, while New Zealand must also monitor the condition of Henry and Ferguson ahead of a busy schedule.