Mitchell Santner, eyes on the green, warned that India's future opener could turn the tables if he gets a chance.
Sooryavanshi, a 15‑year‑old left‑hander, has been on the sidelines since the UK tour, with Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson dominating the top order.
Santner pointed out that Indian batsmen have faced short‑pitched bowlers in England and that Sooryavanshi’s aggressive IPL exploits make him a real threat.
He also praised Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s return after a four‑year absence, expecting him to thrive in New Zealand’s conditions.
Santner hopes bowlers will have their day, noting that pitch behaviour could shift from bouncy to flat, making the environment unpredictable.
With a five‑match ODI series and two Tests to follow, the T20I run will be crucial for both squads.