New Zealand batter Daryl Mitchell rated the spin duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Ravindra Jadeja as world class after the second ODI. Mitchell scored a match-winning knock of 131 runs off just 117 balls in the run-chase of 285 at Rajkot on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav returned with expensive figures of 1-82 in his quota of 10 overs whereas Jadeja bagged 0-44 in eight overs he bowled in the second game and thus the spin duo could not deliver the goods in their own conditions.

“Kuldeep and Jadeja are world class bowlers. They find ways to put pressure on us and they’re some of the best spinners going around. We were lucky enough to build partnerships and find ways to put pressure on them. I’ve also seen them tear through teams in the past,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell revealed how he prepared himself to play on spin-friendly pitches and added he loves playing for the Blackcaps.

“There’s been plenty, plenty mornings in the marquee down in the South Island in Lincoln on some prepared dusty wickets to try and find ways to come up with game plans in this part of the world,” Mitchell told reporters.

“That’s the stuff that a lot of people don’t see…the work that you put in, away from the shiny lights and the TV, but it’s always nice I guess when you get the rewards from that. I just love playing for my country, I love travelling the world and playing international cricket and I am very lucky to do that across all three formats,” Mitchell added.

Mitchell has been in red hot form as he scored 84 runs in the opening ODI against India at Vadodara. The third ODI between India and New Zealand will be played at Indore on Sunday.