Marco Jansen overcame burnout and became a key player for the Proteas

New Zealand captain Michelle Santner highly praised the aggressive play of young Indian player Vaibhav Suryavanshi, noting that he would be difficult to stop if given the opportunity to play in the five-match T20 series. Nevertheless, the New Zealand team has prepared its strategy against this 15-year-old athlete. The first match of the T20 series between India and New Zealand will take place on Thursday.

Since being included in the Indian squad for the tour of England, Vaibhav has been given a limited number of playing minutes. The main reason for this was the outstanding performance of regular batsman Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. Previously, in the last T20 series against the West Indies, Vaibhav also failed to make the starting lineup.

At the press conference before the series, Santner commented on Vaibhav's game, stating that the New Zealand team is well acquainted with his abilities and has developed a corresponding tactic. He emphasized that even though Vaibhav did not participate in the last series, they know what a good player he is because they have seen his performances in the IPL. Santner added that Vaibhav has a chance to play an important role in the Indian team, both in this series and in the future.

He continued that he had observed what he is capable of doing if given a chance in the current series, and noted that he was quite difficult to stop. Santner recalled how bowlers in England often used short balls against Indian batsmen, and also saw in the IPL how aggressively Vaibhav can play. He assured that they have certain plans in case he takes the field.

Santner also shared his opinion on the return of experienced fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar to the Indian T20 team after almost four years away. The New Zealand captain believes that the conditions in New Zealand might suit Bhuvneshwar, who masterfully controls spin and movement in the air. Santner suggested that Bhuvneshwar could benefit if the pitch slightly assists the ball, noting that he also made the ball spin on flat Indian surfaces. He added that on a new ball, he could become a serious problem for New Zealand batsmen.

He mentioned that in India, T20 matches often end with large scores and easy chases. Santner stated that conditions for bowlers in India have become difficult, whereas in New Zealand, Bhuvneshwar might face more favorable conditions.

Santner hopes that bowling dominance will prevail in the T20 series. However, he acknowledged that conditions can change rapidly depending on the pitch and weather. He suggested that bowlers might gain an advantage in the first match, while the reuse of the same ground in the second match could ease the batting for the batsmen. Therefore, both teams will have to change their strategy according to changing circumstances.

Santner called the Indian team strong, noting that Team India has been performing well for a long time. Nevertheless, he reminded that the bouncy pitches in New Zealand will differ from home conditions for Indian players. He also mentioned that India recently defeated New Zealand in a T20 series by a score of 4-1. Following the five T20 matches between India and New Zealand, there will also be five ODI matches and two Tests. According to Santner, under a tight schedule and constantly changing circumstances, both teams will need to effectively utilize their entire squad to achieve good results.

Former captain of Proteas team Graham Smith predicts that Marco Jansen will become the best all-round player in future Test matches.

During the second Test match against Australia, held at St George's Park, Jansen demonstrated outstanding play on the third day. When South Africa was in a difficult position at 110/6, Jansen came onto the field with his captain Temba Bavuma and made an impressive counter-attack.

This left-handed right-hander scored 85 runs in just 100 balls, participating in a partnership for 132 runs with Bavuma, which drastically changed the course of the game in favor of South Africa.

This is not the first time Jansen has made a significant contribution to Proteas in the lower order. Last year, during the second Test in Guwahati, he also scored a magnificent 93 runs, helping Proteas secure their first victory in a series against India in 20 years.

Furthermore, he is a deadly left-arm fast bowler who has already achieved four five-wicket hauls.

In his column for Betway, Smith stated: 'Marco Jansen is one of the most talented cricketers currently. He bowls very well and is capable of playing impactful innings in the lower or middle order for South Africa.'

He continued: 'I have no doubt that Jansen will become the best all-rounder in Test matches in the future. I believe his bowling and consistency are constantly improving. Everything is starting to develop, and he is also beginning to take key Test wickets, getting strong players out.'

Adding that they have seen his skills grow in all formats, Smith noted that he captained Proteas in a record 109 Test matches, including leading the team to the ICC Test World Cup in 2012. He believes Jansen could bring an extra 'X' factor to their teams.

'When I think about the teams I played in, having Marco Jansen at number seven or eight would have been ideal for us,' he said. 'He takes charge of the game and has a pleasing style of play.'

After Jansen fulfilled his batting duty in the first innings, Proteas now hopes he can achieve a similar result with the ball while Australia continues to bat, replying to the hosts' 425/9, starting at 3/1.