India are in New Zealand, and its already windy there. Indians have been poor performers in this part of the world, and their cause is further distressed by the windy conditions, unpredictable pitches and unusually sized grounds.
Here’s a list of venues that could pose the maximum threat to India on their current tour :
1. Formerly known as Jade Stadium, the AMI stadium in Christchurch, is where India play the first T20 international against the Kiwis. Apart from cricket, it serves a host of other sports - Athletics, Davis Cup tennis, swimming, cycling etc. Test matches have been held here every year, apart from 1984-85 when the ground was rested after the pitch was severely criticized. Summers can be extremely hot in Christchurch, which isn’t good news for Zaheer Khan, Munaf Patel, Ishant Sharma and L.Balaji. Winters on the other hand are extremely chilly and the Indians may struggle to grapple with it, especially as they are coming to New Zealand from a hot Indian summer-like winter. Any temperature extreme, will be a case of distraught for the Indians. The last time New Zealand played here was for a T20 in February 2008 against England, and they will obviously be well versed with it. India can take breath with the fact that, the Black Caps lost that match by a whopping margin of 50 runs. India on the other hand, were bowled out for a measly 108 when they last played here. They lost that ODI by five wickets.
2. The Eden Park in Auckland is probably the most non-popular ground in New Zealand. It is not a popular venue with the audiences due to poor management which often leaves ticket holders outside the ground and causes long queues for food and drink. The captains world over hate it, because it resembles a baseball ground, often flummoxing visiting captains in their field placement. India have played two ODI’s here on their last tour, and had a 50-50 record. They lost their first match here by a close margin (3 wickets), but won the next one again by a close margin of 1 wicket.
3. Uncomfortably situated on top of a hill, rain has been an unfortunate companion at the West pac Park, Wellington. India have played one match on its 2002-03 tour and won it, but fine and cloudy periods, with gusty northerly winds will pose a serious threat to the batsmen and will leave the spinners potent-less. The biggest danger will be the unpredictable showers that mar the venue, though they may be a blessing in disguise to the spinners, the batsmen will have a miserable time in that case. It turns around from good to bad to worse and good again within a short periods of time, and keeps all players(bowlers, batsmen and fielders) on their toes.
