MUMBAI: It was a throwback to the 1980s as team New Zealand made their first media appearance in Mumbai, ahead of the World T20, in their beige-and-black jersey. And just as well it was the legacy of two of their icons — Martin Crowe and Brendon McCullum — that dominated the dialogue.
Former captain and one of their best players, Crowe, passed away on March 3 and Kane Williamson (in pic) admitted the team would acknowledge his massive contribution to cricket in the country during the tournament.
But for this current crop of New Zealanders a big void has been left on the field with the retirement of McCullum, the hard-hitting batsman who seemed to have bent the team in his mold. McCullum quit on February 24, four days after posting the fastest century in Test cricket (off 54 balls), and on the brink of the marquee ICC event.
“I suppose it is a small transition losing your captain and a top order batter,” said Williamson, who took over captaincy duties from the 34-year-old McCullum, on Tuesday.
“He was someone who led by example, and inspired others to do it as well. He created a lot of leaders in the group. His is the vision that guys bought into. There was a lot of focus off the field too — creating a camaraderie and playing for one another. It is important this is continued. We have to build on and move on from what we have achieved.”
While naming hosts India as the rightful favourites, Williamson added their performance will be determined by how quickly they are able to adjust to Indian conditions.
“In the last few months we have found the aggressive brand of cricket to be most effective,” said the 25-year-old, who seems to wear the weight of being the ‘next big thing in NZ cricket’ lightly on his shoulders. “That is going to be our focus. But we also have to be smart and play according to the conditions.”
Though McCullum didn’t make the trip, his older brother, Nathan, will play in World T20.