Queenstown (New Zealand), Feb 11 (Agency) India pacer Pooja Vastrakar on Friday said that she will not experiment too much and would look to stick to her strengths against New Zealand in the five-match ODI series, starting February 12. In the one-off T20I played on February 9, Vastrakar claimed two wickets in her four-over quota after conceding 16 runs. “My England and Australia tours weren’t that great for me. Then I worked hard on my new-ball bowling. I got a lot of inputs from coaches and senior players as well. I did a lot of practice and got the result in the last series in Australia,” Vastrakar said in a virtual press conference. “It is a dream for every bowler to bowl in Australia, New Zealand, England. My focus in the T20I was on the processes, to bowl at the stumps and I will repeat that in the ODI series. I will not try anything different, just bowl to my strengths and stay consistent on my line and length.” she said.
Speaking about her batting, Vastrakar said, “Last 10 overs are always crucial. So we worked on that in Bengaluru. Our batting coach used to give us targets to score 60-plus runs in that phase. I was also told in Challengers Trophy, that I need to focus on power-hitting, picking right bowlers and it went well. I now want to use that confidence here too.” The wicket-keeper batter Taniya Bhatia said that she has evolved as a player and individual. “I am focused on my power hitting, on what the management requires out of me. I have evolved a lot as a captain, player and as an individual. I have the confidence and I am looking forward to the ODI series,” she said. When asked how she will adapt a unique New Zealand condition as a wicket-keeper, Bhatia said, “Being a wicket-keeper I am aware it is more of lateral movement. The process remains the same I have to watch the ball and that doesn’t change.” Talking about the role of fielding coach, Taniya said, “Subhadeep Ghosh is here as our fielding coach. The players have put in a lot of efforts, even if the session is for two hours, they make sure they are taking catches before and after as well.” India will play the five-match ODI series against New Zealand. The first match is scheduled to take place on February 12 at the John Davies Oval, Queenstown.