New Delhi, Jan 30 (NationPress) The iconic New Zealand cricketer Ross Taylor is optimistic about the Blackcaps' performance in the upcoming 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. He anticipates that Finn Allen and Tim Seifert will take on the roles of opening batsmen for the team during this significant tournament.

Recently, Allen clinched the title in the Big Bash League (BBL) while playing for the Perth Scorchers, where he emerged as the top run-scorer, accumulating 466 runs with an impressive strike rate of 184.18. He has joined the New Zealand squad ahead of the final T20I against India, scheduled to take place in Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday.

“New Zealand has consistently been a formidable force in ICC World Cups. Their preparation against India in these conditions has been ideal. Despite the rocky start with a 3-0 loss in the initial matches, their comeback in Vizag will surely boost their confidence,” Taylor explained.

“India is among the tournament favorites, so competing against them at home will benefit New Zealand. I believe it will likely be Finn Allen and Seifert opening the batting. It will be intriguing to see who occupies the number three spot, whether it’s Rachin or Conway,” he added in an interview with IANS on Friday.

The best achievement of New Zealand in the Men’s T20 World Cups has been finishing as runners-up in 2021, and Taylor believes that either Conway or Rachin Ravindra could make the playing eleven.

“It’s beneficial that they are playing here. However, only one of them can play at a time. Conway strengthens the team if he opens the batting, but if he doesn’t, then only one of him or Rachin should bat through,” he stated.

Regarding recent injury issues within the team, Taylor, who has played 106 T20Is for the Blackcaps, is confident in the squad's depth to address these challenges. He emphasized the crucial role of spin in determining the team's success in the forthcoming mega event.

“Ben Sears has just arrived as a replacement. With Ferguson and Henry potentially leaving mid-tournament for paternity leave, the squad's depth has been reliable for a long time, but spin will be a critical factor in this World Cup,” he remarked.

“The choice of opening bowlers will be pivotal, along with their ability to handle spin both with the bat and ball, which will be key to their performance in this World Cup,” he concluded.

Currently, Taylor is in Goa for the World Legends Pro T20 League, where he expressed joy in reconnecting with former teammates and rivals from his days in international cricket.

“I’ve enjoyed my time here immensely. This is my first visit to Goa, and the food, people, and scenery have been remarkable. Participating in these tournaments as a former player allows me to interact with players I’ve never played alongside and to compete against legends I used to face frequently, which is a great experience,” he shared.

“I’ve always loved visiting India, and the local public has been very welcoming. I plan to bring my family for a holiday to India in the near future, and I hope Goa will be one of our destinations as we explore this beautiful country more in the coming days,” he concluded.