IND vs NZ | Prayers and practice: Arshdeeps mantra for T20 bowling

Braver batters and flatter decks have redefined the ceiling of T20 run-making. The series opener between India and New Zealand at the VCA Stadium, which witnessed a staggering 428-run aggregate, was just the latest example.

Pacer Arshdeep Singh’s recipe for staying relevant during these games involves a bit of divine intervention and a whole lot of preparation.

“The first thing I do is take God’s name: ‘The wicket is looking flat… please save me,’” he quipped after India’s 48-run win on Wednesday (January 21, 2026).

“All the planning is done in meetings and during practice. When you come on game-day, your target is to execute those plans.”

The left-arm seamer, who bowled a creditable spell (4-0-31-1) amidst the carnage, maintains that his rhythm is not hinged on whether he plays every game.

“There are a lot of benefits to being in and out of the side. Just like I’m in and out of the team, the ball is also swinging in and out really well,” he joked.

That Hardik Pandya shared the new ball with the Punjab pacer, while holding back Jasprit Bumrah, was attributed to India’s operational flexibility.

“The team’s demands are considered while choosing the order of batters, bowlers, or even where a particular fielder should field. We must be prepared to adapt in these three aspects of the game. And that is our main motto.”

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips, meanwhile, reckons his side’s extended stay in India has its pros and cons.

“Sometimes I think it’s a little bit of a catch-22. We’ve already been here close to two weeks, and it would be one-and-a-half months by the time we are done with the World Cup. Yes, we do have the opportunity to receive a lot more information than a lot of other teams, but we’ve been on the road for a lot longer than other teams as well,” Phillips remarked.