Wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts: NZ skipper Mitchell Santner
What's the story
Ahead of the highly-anticipated 2026 ICC T20 World Cup final, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner has made a bold statement. He said he wouldn't mind "breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once." The remark was made in light of New Zealand's five ICC men's white-ball finals in the last 11 years, without a single win. Here's what the spin all-rounder said.
Trophy aspirations
Wouldn't mind winning a trophy: Santner
Responding to a question about New Zealand's finals record, Santner said, "I wouldn't mind winning a trophy." He emphasized the team's consistency in approach, saying they don't get overawed by situations or opponents. The captain acknowledged that they might not be favorites this time but are confident in their ability to perform as a team and hopefully lift the trophy.
Information
'We are pretty consistent in our thoughts'
"But yeah, if you look at this group and the groups that have been in the past, we are pretty consistent in our thoughts. Because we try not to get overawed by the situation or opponents. We just go out there and do our thing as a unit," he said.
Focus
Santner backs NZ to come good against India
Santner said if his side does the little things well, it can help them lift the trophy. "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. We know we can - if we do our little things well and put in a strong team performance - put us in a pretty good position to hopefully lift the trophy. But yeah, I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once."
Game plan
Santner eyes early wickets to hurt India
Santner also spoke about NZ's opponents India and laid out a strategy. "India kind of go hard, obviously at the top, but all the way through," Santner said. "And I think the only way to slow any team down is wickets at the top. And then try to squeeze a few overs in the middle. I think it's very hard, if guys get away, to slow them down without taking wickets."
Final pressure
Importance of fielding in T20 cricket
Santner acknowledged the unique pressure of a world tournament final, saying "it's easy to say it's just another game, but everyone knows it's probably not." He stressed the importance of consistency in preparation and approach on the day. The captain said T20 cricket often comes down to a few key moments and fielding plays an important role in determining outcomes.