New Zealand’s captain, Mitchell Santner, reckons that facing India in front of their home conditions is the best way to test themselves as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026, which will be held in India and Sri Lanka. Following clobbering in the first three games, Santner’s side found their mojo once again as they took down the world champions for the first time in Visakhapatnam in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, January 28.
IND vs NZ 4th T20I: Highlights | Scorecard
Speaking at the post-match press conference, following New Zealand’s 50-run win over India, Santner talked about how they have been tested in all facets of the game throughout the series.
“I said at the start of the series that there’s no better preparation for a World Cup than playing India in India, regardless of results. We’ve been tested heavily—both earlier in the series and again tonight,” Santner said.
The captain also suggested that should they come up against India in the T20 World Cup, experiences such as this will prove to be priceless, and he expects them to learn from all their experiences so they can come out on top when it matters most.
“It’s about learning, putting players into specific roles, and seeing how they respond under pressure. If we face India again in a World Cup, which is very possible, those experiences are invaluable,” Santner said.
It was never easy for the Kiwis by any means. In the three games prior, it was an out-and-out pasting for the visitors at the hands of a world champion Indian side across all three facets of the game. But Santner sees all the pressure they were under as a place where they can learn from and remains confident of the challenges ahead, which he sees as nothing compared to what they have to face now.
“Pressure situations are challenging, but they’re also where you grow. It doesn’t get much harder than this,” Santner said.
With a win in the bank for New Zealand, there will be more confidence for the visitors going into the final game of the series, and the tournament that follows, and Santner reckons that they are better equipped than ever for the challenges that lie ahead.
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