4 talking points from Mitchell Santner's press conference ahead of India vs New Zealand, T20 WC 2026 final
New Zealand captain Mithcell Santner embraced the challenge of silencing the home crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium and anticipates a high-scoring match on a "batting paradise" pitch.
Last Updated: 05.31 PM, Mar 07, 2026
As the whole of the cricketing world gets ready for the T20 World Cup 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on 8th March, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner addressed the media to lay out their plan and roadmap for the summit clash. From the tactical combat with India's "mystery" to the psychological game of playing in front of a 100,000-strong Indian crowd, the Blackcaps captain was vocal about his side's plan.
Here are the four key talking points from Mitchell Santner’s pre-match press conference.
The goal is to "silence the crowd"
Just like Pat Cummins in the 2023 ICC World Cup final, Kiwi captain Mitchell Santner also threatened to silence the crowd at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Santner admitted that playing India in India is the ultimate challenge due to the loud home support. However, he stated that he and his team are unfazed by that.
He explicitly stated that New Zealand’s primary goal is to "silence the crowd."
"That's the goal to silence the crowd, but there are a lot of challenges to cricket, and they are variable. I think there is a lot of pressure on India to win at home," Santner said.
Expecting a "batting paradise" in Ahmedabad
Despite news of a "mixed soil" (red and black) pitch, Santner believes that the final will be a high-scoring match.
Reflecting on the pitch, he noted that while it was still under covers, the assumption is that the deck will be "pretty flat and high scoring."
"Yeah, I mean, I haven't had a look at the wicket yet, it's still under cover, but one can only assume it's going to be pretty flat and high scoring," Mitchell Santner said.
No hesitation to "break hearts"
The Blackcaps have often been labelled the "nice guys" of world cricket, but Santner made it clear that emotionalism has no place in a final like tomorrow. They will be ready to break a few hearts to win their maiden T20 World Cup title.
"I don't mind breaking a few hearts and winning the trophy," he stated.
“I wouldn't mind winning a trophy. You look at this group and the groups that have been in the past, we are pretty consistent on these because we try not to get overawed by the situation or opponents. We go out there and do our thing. And as a unit, it's been no different this time. And again, it's going to be obviously a challenge where everyone knows we're probably not the favourites. But we don't mind," he added.
Acknowledging the "world-class" Indian attack
Santner was full of praise for the Indian bowling attack, which was able to do better than England on a flat wicket in Mumbai. He acknowledged the importance of Jasprit Bumrah, especially during a chase.
"In terms of Bumrah, I think it should be in everyone's conversation, the way he's been going. I think England looked pretty hard to hit, and he was obviously the game changer for India the other night," Santner said in the press conference.
"I think the way everyone's been rolling in their team, whether it's with bat or ball, everyone's stepped up at different times and as a team that's where you want to be," he added.
Read also: 'Like having a genie:' Former South Africa captain on Jasprit Bumrah's influence on the Indian team.
How to watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match online?
Cricket fans in India can watch the India vs New Zealand, T20 World Cup 2026 final match on JioHotstar, accessible via OTTplay Premium.