Brendon McCullum has urged the Blackcaps selectors to resist chopping and changing for the upcoming T20 series against the West Indies.
With a Twenty20 Cricket World Cup on the horizon, the former national skipper wants to see consistency in selection, as New Zealand push for a breakthrough international tournament win.
The Blackcaps have thrived in the test ranks in recent seasons and currently hold a world ranking of third, thanks to a settled top order and an excellent barrage of quick bowlers.
But the T20 game has suffered, with the selectors often opting to blood younger talent, while also resting players midway through series.
Currently, New Zealand sit sixth in T20 rankings, but McCullum - who is helping the squad's quarantined IPL players prepare for the series - believes they have the nucleus to be world-beaters.
"T20 hasn't been the best format for the New Zealand team of late and I know there is a deep desire to improve those results," McCullum says.
"I think, with the T20 World Cup not far away, now is the time to really start to drill down what your best XI will be and then you start to build a squad that will be competitive at the next World Cup.
"That's why these games are so vital."
The West Indies provide a stiff short-form cricket test for the Blackcaps. The Caribbean 'Calypso Kings' are two-time winners of the T20 World Cup and head into the 2021 edition as defending champions.
With T20 specialists Kieran Pollard, Andre Fletcher and Nicholas Pooran among the touring party, the Windies will provide a genuine measuring stick on where this Blackcaps squad are.
"The West Indies are remarkable T20 cricketers," says McCullum. "They have got immense flair right through their batting and bowling.
"They're well led by Kieron Pollard, and they've got a great mix of experience and youth. I think they will be a very tough proposition."
The series kicks off in Friday at Auckland's Eden Park, before two games at Mount Manunagnui next week.
Join us at 7pm Friday for live updates of the first Blackcaps v West Indies T20
