Once in line for India coach job, Kiwi Hesson makes big 'weather' claim on India's bowling

An all-wear bowling attack and batsmen's improved ability against pacers in overseas conditions have made India a formidable unit across formats, feels former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson. Hesson, who will take charge of Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2020 IPL season, also said 5-0 rout of New Zealand in T20 series shows current lot of Indian players is exceptionally talented.

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'India are a far better side w': Mike Hesson

"India are far better side w at present and y are improving all time. ir bowling attack w suits all conditions around world because ir bowlers, pacers and spinners, are so good. That's something y haven't always had," Hesson told PTI in an interview. "And ir batsmen's ability to play pace bowling has also got better more y have toured. So this group of players is exceptionally talented group. This series' win will help m (for World Cup in Australia later this year)."

Up next is a three-match ODI series, and India-New Zealand will play first match in Hamilton on Wednesday. Hesson said New Zealand's new-look pace attack will have its task cut out. However, he feels subsequent two-Test series will be a different proposition despite New Zealand's recent 0-3 loss in Australia. "New Zealand had a poor tour of Australia and y would be hurt with that. But up to that point, ir Test cricket was exceptional in last 2-3 seasons, probably even longer.

"New Zealand kw se conditions well. From a Test bowling point of view, if re is something in surface, likes of Tim Soue will exploit it and Trent Boult should be back as well. Neil Wagner asks different questions too, so I am really looking forward to it.

"India will have an expectation of winning this Test series. But New Zealand is a very tough place to come and win Test matches. You cant take anything for granted and I am sure India won't," said Hesson. 

Hesson on New Zealand's T20I series loss

Hesson also blamed New Zealand for making some questionable decisions during T20 series in which y lost back-to-back games in a Super Over."Losing in such a manner can become a bit of a habit. Once New Zealand lost a couple (Super Overs), y almost started dreading Super Over. And once you do that, you are t in right frame of mind. "Once again, even in both those Super Overs, New Zealand were in situations in this series where y could have won it. y will look back in hindsight and wonder if y used right bowling option (Tim Soue) at that time. 

"Changes of pace can be useful in a Super Over rar than necessarily trying to bowl yorkers, reckoned Hesson. While India ticked off a couple of question marks in terms of Shreyas Iyer, Manish Pandey and pace department with youngsters, re are still some question marks remaining in ir World Cup preparation.

Power-hitting in middle, for example, as Shivam Dube went off-color as series progressed. Additionally, Rishabh Pant didn't get any chances as K L Rahul kept wickets. "y were trying out different players in this series (and home season). Tried Shivam Dube, and Manish Pandey, who were playing slightly different roles, and I think y have found eugh about those players. Of course, if you have ability to bring in Hardik Pandya (currently injured) towards backend, that gives an extra dimension."About vital M S Dhoni question, Hesson opined that India already had plans in place if former skipper didn't return after IPL as speculated. Dhoni has t played a competitive game since World Cup semifinal loss to New Zealand in July.

"It seems like India have moved on. And y have certainly had to put ir plans in place for when that (Dhoni's retirement) happens. I have heard in press that a lot depends on IPL in terms of how Dhoni operates. If he is in good touch n obviously he plays, but looks like India have moved past MSD at this st." 

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