New Zealand batsman Will Young has dismissed any notion of his team seeking revenge for their defeat to India in the final of the Champions Trophy last year, as the Black Caps prepare for a three-match ODI series on Indian soil. Young, who was part of the New Zealand side that lost the ICC final to a Rohit Sharma-led India, stated that the upcoming bilateral contest is a "completely different challenge" and that the past loss is not on the players' minds.
Focus on the Present, Not the Past
Speaking to the media at the Baroda Cricket Association Stadium, Young made it clear that the team's focus is squarely on the imminent series. "It's a completely different challenge. That was the Champions Trophy, they were different sides so that's behind us. It's not even in our minds at all," Young asserted. He added that the squad is genuinely excited about the prospect of a three-match ODI series in India, with all attention turning to the game once it begins.
This series marks Young's return to the Indian subcontinent, where he last played a memorable role in New Zealand's historic 3-0 Test series victory over India in 2024. That performance earned him the Player of the Series award, a feat he ranks at the very top of his achievements in the longest format. "You'd have to put it right at the top, yeah," he said, reflecting on that triumphant tour.
Defending the ODI Format's Legacy
With the T20 World Cup looming large later this year, Will Young acknowledged that a short bilateral ODI series might struggle for context in the broader cricket calendar. He admitted that the 50-over format has indeed lost some of its sheen due to the overwhelming popularity of T20 cricket. However, the Kiwi batsman was quick to champion ODI cricket's enduring value and prestige.
"Especially with the T20 World Cup round the corner, it is easy to have the series lost in the greater context," Young noted. "But when you're playing for your country, there should always be those two things: passion and motivation." He emphasized that while ODIs are played less frequently now, the format is kept alive and significant by two premier world events.
"You've got to remember, there's still two ICC world events — the Champions Trophy and the World Cup — which has had so much wonderful history over such a long time," Young stated, underlining the rich legacy attached to the 50-over game.
A Packed Tour on the Horizon
The upcoming tour is not limited to just ODIs. Following the three 50-over matches, New Zealand and India will also lock horns in a five-match T20 International series, which will serve as crucial preparation for the global T20 spectacle. This combination of formats presents a diverse challenge for the visiting New Zealand side, which features several new faces.
Will Young, now a mainstay in the Kiwi batting lineup, will be looking to carry his positive subcontinental form into the white-ball leg of the tour. His comments reflect a pragmatic and forward-looking approach from the New Zealand camp, choosing to view the upcoming ODI series as a fresh opportunity rather than a chance for retribution. The focus remains on performing in the present and respecting the unique demands and history of the one-day international game.
