New Zealand's stand-in captain, Michael Bracewell, has openly discussed the unique challenges his relatively inexperienced squad faces as they gear up for the One Day International series against India. The primary hurdle, according to Bracewell, is adapting to the electrifying atmosphere of packed Indian stadiums, a stark contrast to the quieter grounds back home.
The Roar of the Crowd: A Daunting New Experience
Ahead of the first ODI at Vadodara on January 11, 2026, Bracewell pointed out that for several members of the touring party, playing in front of a sold-out crowd of 40,000 fans is an unfamiliar and intimidating prospect. He acknowledged that in New Zealand, particularly in domestic cricket, players are not accustomed to such massive, vocal audiences.
"There are plenty of distractions over here, that's for sure," Bracewell stated. "To come here in front of a sold-out crowd of 40,000 is a little bit different for a few guys in the group." The Kiwi contingent has a new look, with some players having little to no prior experience of this scale of cricketing spectacle.
Senior Players Step Up as Mentors
To help the newcomers acclimatise, Bracewell revealed that the team's seasoned campaigners who have played extensively in India, including in the Indian Premier League (IPL), are actively sharing their insights. He specifically mentioned the roles of Devon Conway and Glenn Phillips.
"We've spoken about that and what to expect when you walk out onto the field," Bracewell explained. "Devon has played a lot over here and he's been really keen to share the experiences that he's had, whether it's international cricket or in the IPL. Glenn Phillips is also someone who's played a lot of cricket." This mentorship is seen as crucial for preparing the younger players for the high-pressure environment.
Bracewell Confirms Debut and Bowling Leadership
On the team composition front, the captain confirmed an exciting debut for 24-year-old fast bowler Kristian Clarke in the series opener. The team has been impressed with Clarke's performances in New Zealand's domestic circuit and in the lead-up to this tour.
Furthermore, Bracewell indicated he would be relying heavily on the experienced all-rounder Kyle Jamieson to spearhead the pace bowling attack. Praising Jamieson's skill and longevity in the game, Bracewell said, "I'll be leaning a lot on him as captain to lead the bowling attack."
The New Zealand team's strategy clearly involves blending the raw enthusiasm of new talent with the wisdom of players familiar with Indian conditions. As they face a formidable Indian side, their ability to quickly overcome the initial awe of the crowd noise could be a key factor in their performance in the ODI series.
