Lessons, not losses: Matt Henry says tough India tour has hardened New Zealand

Matt Henry says New Zealand's bruising India tour delivered vital lessons, not damage, as a young bowling attack grew under pressure and gained confidence ahead of the T20 World Cup.

There was a noticeable tinge of confidence in Matt Henry's voice on Friday in Thiruvananthapuram. The 34-year-old fast bowler, now the leader of New Zealand's bowling group in the post-Tim Southee and Trent Boult era, spoke about the importance of staying level-headed in the face of carnage.

"In T20 cricket, you can't change what's already happened," Henry said, stressing the importance of sticking to one's plans and not getting jaded when put under pressure.

Henry has witnessed that reality firsthand over the years. Blessed with one of the smoothest bowling actions in the game and a sharp cricketing brain, he has enjoyed considerable success in the longer formats. In fact, Henry has taken more wickets across all formats in international cricket than any other bowler over the last three years.

And he continues to evolve in T20 cricket.

The tour of India has been brutal, but it has also been a crucial learning curve. India went all out in the second and third T20Is. In Raipur, they chased down 209 in just 15.2 overs. In Guwahati, a target of 154 was hunted down in only 10 overs.

Henry, leading a young and inexperienced bowling attack, looked as helpless as his peers when Abhishek Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav were hitting sixes for fun and breaking records at will.