Current lot of Indian players are exceptionally talented: Mike Hesson

Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson feels that the current lot of Indian players is exceptionally talented, especially after they emerged victorious in a rare 5-0 series whitewash over New Zealand on their soil.

Hesson, who will take charge of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 2020 IPL season, also said that an all-weather bowling attack and batsmen’s improved ability against pacers in overseas conditions have made India a formidable unit across formats.

“India are far better side now at present and they are improving all the time. Their bowling attack now suits all conditions around the world because their bowlers, pacers, and spinners, are so good. That’s something they haven’t always had,” Hesson told PTI in an interview.

“And their batsmen’s ability to play pace bowling has also got better the more they have toured. So this group of players is exceptionally talented group. This series’ win will help them (for the World Cup in Australia later this year),” he added.

Also read: India notch up rare 5-0 T20I series whitewash against New Zealand

Hesson also took to Twitter to express his thoughts on the present Indian squad and tweeted, “#TeamIndia are a side very much on the top of their game at present, so many different players standing up over the last 6 months. Thoughts below, no surprises they are unbeaten and top of the #testchampionship.”

After registering their maiden T20I series title against New Zealand in their land, India is up for another challenge in the three-match ODI series, starting Wednesday (February 5) in Hamilton.

Hesson said New Zealand’s new-look pace attack will have its task cut out, however, the subsequent two-Test series will be a different proposition despite New Zealand’s recent 0-3 loss in Australia.

“New Zealand had a poor tour of Australia and they would be hurt with that. But up to that point, their Test cricket was exceptional in the last 2-3 seasons, probably even longer. The Kiwis know these conditions well. From a Test bowling point of view, if there is something on the surface, likes of Tim Southee will exploit it and Trent Boult should be back as well. Neil Wagner asks different questions too, so I am really looking forward to it,” he said.

“India will have an expectation of winning this Test series. But New Zealand is a very tough place to come and win Test matches. You cannot take anything for granted and I am sure India won’t,” told Hesson.

Hesson also blamed New Zealand for making some questionable decisions during the T20 series in which they lost back-to-back games in a Super Over.

“Losing in such a manner can become a bit of habit. Once New Zealand lost a couple (Super Overs), they almost started dreading the Super Over. And once you do that, you are not in the right frame of mind,” he said.

“Once again, even in both those Super Overs, New Zealand were in situations in this series where they could have won it. They will look back in hindsight and wonder if they used the right bowling option (Tim Southee) at that time. Changes of pace can be useful in a Super Over rather than necessarily trying to bowl yorkers,” reckoned Hesson.

Also read: India adds to New Zealand’s Super Over misery, leads series by 4-0

While India ticked off a couple question marks in terms of Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey and the pace department with youngsters, there are still some question marks remaining in their World Cup preparation.

Power-hitting in the middle, for example, as Shivam Dube went off-colour as the series progressed. Additionally, Rishabh Pant didn’t get any chances as K L Rahul kept wickets.

“They were trying out different players in this series (and home season). Tried Shivam Dube, and Manish Pandey, who were playing slightly different roles, and I think they have found enough about those players. Of course, if you have the ability to bring in Hardik Pandya (currently injured) towards the backend, that gives an extra dimension,” he said.

About the vital M S Dhoni question, Hesson opined that India already had plans in place if the former skipper didn’t return after the IPL as speculated. Dhoni has not played a competitive game since the World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand in July.

“It seems like India have moved on. And they have certainly had to put their plans in place for when that (Dhoni’s retirement) happens. I have heard in the press that a lot depends on the IPL in terms of how Dhoni operates. If he is in good touch then obviously he plays, but looks like India have moved past MSD at this stage,” Hesson added.

(With inputs from agencies)