Mitchell Santner seeks spin inspiration from Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel

New Zealand all-rounder Mitchell Santner has said he has watched video footage of Axar Patel and Ravindra Jadeja to learn the art of left-arm bowling in Indian conditions as New Zealand aim to win an ODI series in India for the first time.

“I watched a lot of Axar Patel and Jadeja. They just try to bowl very consistently and in good areas and wait for the batsmen to hit a big shot and get out or run past one. (I) Have taken a little bit of footage from there,” Santner told reporters after New Zealand’s training session on Monday.

Although Ravindra Jadeja has been left out of the squad, Axar achieved some success in the series against Sri Lanka and in one of the games against Australia.

Santner mentioned the Indian spinners while responding to a query on how much he has learned from former New Zealand captain Daniel Vettori. “The more I got out of him (Daniel Vettori) was tactical. I guess the way to bowl. Not trying to bowl miracle balls every ball,” Santner said.

Virat Kohli still dangerous

Virat Kohli had enjoyed a great run against New Zealand in 2016. He struck his maiden double century in the Indore Test and managed 358 runs in the five-match ODI series at an average of 119. India managed to win the series 3-2 but it was a close series. Santner says it is never easy bowling to the Indian captain.

“He’s a very good player, and so is a lot of their team. They’re in good form, the way they played against Australia was very good. The last time we came here, we did OK. Hopefully we can do one better this time and take the series,” he said.

Hardik Pandya was the difference maker in the Australia series and he will once again be the key in the upcoming New Zealand series. (AFP)

Hardik Pandya has to be tied down

Santner added that Hardik Pandya, who won the Man of the Series award in the series against Australia, says he can take the game away with his big hits.

“I saw him hit (Adam) Zampa for three sixes in an over. So, once he hits one, he wants to keep going. So if you can tie him down or make him hit singles, and then go from there and hopefully he tries to play a big shot and go for a ball that’s not quite there. But yeah he’s a very good player and striker. So we have to beware,” Santner said.

New Zealand will be taking on India in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday, October 22 in Mumbai, followed by a three-match T20I series.