New Zealand spinner Mitchell Santner, who captained the team in the third T20I against India on Sunday, admitted that it is always a challenge to play against an Indian team in their home conditions. He added that New Zealand couldn't step up to the challenge of consistently picking wickets at the top.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
With the 73-run loss in the third and final T20I on Sunday, New Zealand were consigned to a 3-0 loss in the series which came just three days after playing in the Men's T20 World Cup final against Australia in Dubai.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"It was a challenging series. It's always challenging coming to India and playing a really good side. We were good in patches in every game. I think we lost a couple of overs here and there and stuff like that. Rohit Sharma is a very good player and showed that again in the series. I guess the challenge for us was to get wickets at the top and we couldn't seem to do that throughout the series," said Santner in the post-match press conference.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"But credit to the way Rohit and KL (Rahul) batted at the top and backed up throughout the game. We had our chances. I think the conditions changed in every game. Obviously, the dew played a big factor. The pitch felt like it slowed down a little bit," added Santner, who had figures of 3\/27 in Kolkata.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Asked if fatigue was a reason in New Zealand losing the series, Santner remarked, "It's been a challenge. It's been a quick turnaround after the World Cup. But we pride ourselves on turning up in all the three matches and playing some good cricket against a very good Indian side. We tried to win a series in India which is tough to do and they showed once again that it's a tough challenge."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Santner insisted that beating India will be tough in home conditions, especially with the Test series starting from November 25. New Zealand were beaten 3-0 by India in the Test series back in 2016. "It doesn't really matter what format you come up against India. They are going to be a challenge to beat. We saw that the last time we were here for Tests in 2016.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"The Test boys have been out here preparing for the Tests. It's a quick turnaround again. Hopefully, the boys are ready for the first Test in Kanpur in few days."<\/p>\r\n\r\n