India Vs New Zealand | Tim Southee admits of having tough time with white ball

With exceptional figures of 3/17 after a while against India in the first T20I, Tim Southee said that it was "tough" spending time out of the side but he understood the reasons. The Kiwi fast bowler also expressed that there were times when he was at his best. But, unfortunately, failed to pick up wickets, which didn't help him much to make things happen. However, he is happy to be among the wicket-takers list from the first T20I itself.

"A number of guys that needed game time and I know I haven't been at my best with the white-ball for a while. It's never nice missing out but just have to make the most of opportunities when you get them," Southee said after the first match, reported ESPNCricinfo.

“There have been times in the last year or so I've felt I've bowled extremely well at times and haven't got wickets or supported Boulty at the other end. So I guess you're always looking at ways to get better, always looking at ways to try and improve as a cricketer. So it's just always [about being] involved in the game and look in a different way so you can get better and looking back to when you were at your best and how you were operating then."

Further, he went on to say that the team is in a pretty confident mindset to seal the series in the second T20I. He is of the opinion that the Kiwis have got a great balance in the side which would help them to beat the Indian team once again.

“Sometimes in T20 cricket, it can feel really nice and your figures can look really different. It was just a part of almost the perfect puzzle last night, the perfect team performance" the 30-year-old added.

New Zealand gave India their worst T20I defeat in Wellington and are keen to seal the series in Auckland where Southee is expecting a full house for the second game of the series.

"Last night was a good atmosphere and I think tomorrow will be an amazing atmosphere too. I think it'll probably be the first time Eden Park's been sold out since the 2015 World Cup. Doesn't happen too often when we play there. Will be a very noisy crowd and one the guys are very much looking forward to," he added.