ICC World T20: Williamson keen to beat favourite' India

Mumbai: New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson believes that if the Kiwis score more runs then his side have a great chance of emerging victorious when they square off against Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Team India in the first match of Round 2 in the ICC World T20 in Nagpur on March 15.

“We have been playing some good cricket and it’s important we adapt (to conditions). You want to play smart over here. Cricket can be quite different as compared to our conditions, we’re fully aware of that. So it’s important we prepare as best we can going into our first game,” Williamson told reporters, here during the pre-tournament open media session on Tuesday.

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The Sunrisers Hyderabad batsman believes that he can also use players’ experience who featured in the Indian Premier League (IPL) to help the team’s winning cause.

“We will tap into the knowledge of players who had experience of playing in the IPL. There are a lot of guys that have played cricket here. It’s important that you tap into that experience. A lot of guys have played alongside other international players as well so they know each other,” he said.

However, facing Dhoni and Co at home will be tough and Williamson admitted that though ‘Men in Blue’ have a number of match-winners, the concentration would be to play aggressive cricket.

“No doubt, India will be favourites but all teams will come here believing that they can win it. It’s a tough match first up and we will be preparing as best as we can in these conditions. It will be great to get off to a good start. I hope we carry a better momentum throughout the tournament. The aggressive brand that we have been playing has been really effective for us. We look to play the best brand that’s suits the conditions,” Williamson, who revealed all his seamers are fit, added.

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A lot of responsibility will rest on the young 25-year-old’s shoulders but he has received strong support from outgoing Kiwi legend Brendon McCullum, who recently called it quits in international cricket.

Williamson pointed out that although it was purely his decision to retire ahead of the global event, the explosive batsman has given a lot to the side.

“He certainly leads by example but he encouraged others to do the same and he created a lot of leaders in the group. His and mine vision was easily brought into the team, guys playing for one another, guys committing into situations for the benefit of the side.

“It was Brendon’s decision to retire and that’s the nature of it. He gave so much to the team while he was around and we’re certainly thankful for that. It’s a small transition losing your captain and a top order batter. It’s just part and parcel of the game we play,” Williamson said.

Speaking about improving his own game and well aware about the conditions in the sub-continent, Williamson just tries to keep it simple.

“I try to keep it as simple as I can and make subtle adjustments to different sides and different surfaces that you play on. Be relaxed in the middle. You don’t get runs everyday. You go out trying to improve,” he said.

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The New Zealand side were shaken up after the news about Kiwi great Martin Crowe’s death was announced.

“It was a really sad time for Martin’s family. Some of the guys in the side were really close to him. Conversations that we had with him were really close,” Williamson added.