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CSK Academy Hosts New Zealand Women As White Ferns Amp Up World Cup Prep

Soumyajit Dutta

New Zealand Women preps in CSK academy [Source: @immediate_royet/X.com]New Zealand Women preps in CSK academy [Source: @immediate_royet/X.com]

With the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka just two months away, New Zealand’s White Ferns are leaving no stone unturned in their preparations. The team is currently undergoing a two-week training camp at the Chennai Super Kings Academy, immersing themselves in spin-friendly conditions ahead of the marquee event.

Head coach Ben Sawyer has hailed the timing of the camp as "perfect," given the lack of cricket back home during New Zealand’s winter. The squad includes seven contracted players, such as Jess Kerr and Georgia Plimmer, alongside three emerging talents, all acclimatising to subcontinental challenges before the global tournament.

CSK Academy Boasts The 'Perfect' Spin-Friendly Conditions

Sawyer emphasised the importance of adapting to the heat and spin-heavy tracks in the absence of cold New Zealand winters.

"Yeah, 100% correct. It's currently winter in New Zealand, there's no cricket and we're nearly two months out of the World Cup... So yeah, it's been an amazing experience so far," Sawyer told ESPNcricinfo.

Notably, the camp has also benefited from the presence of WPL stars, including RCB’s Asha Sobhana and teenage prodigy G Kamalini who has been testing the batters and the bowlers with their skills. Sawyer praised the competitive edge they bring.

"We've had WPL players come down to bowl to us... it's been great for our girls to chat to her and learn about these conditions," Sawyer added.

White Ferns Leave No Stones Unturned For Prep

Post-Chennai, the team will head to Dubai for ODIs against England, followed by World Cup warm-ups. A crucial buildup, as per Sawyer. The heat and the spin-friendly tracks largely mirror the subcontinental conditions in India and Sri Lanka.

Meanwhile, senior players like Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine are sharpening their skills in The Hundred Women, ensuring the squad arrives match-ready. With specialised training, heat adaptation strategies, and spin masterclasses, New Zealand is pulling out all the stops to conquer the World Cup challenge.