New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner remains steadfast in his pride for the Black Caps, despite a 96-run defeat to India in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final. Facing a parochial crowd of nearly 90,000 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the Kiwis were unable to stop an Indian batting lineup that Santner admits left them "up against it" from the very first over.
For Santner, the match was decided in the first 36 balls of each innings. India’s opening duo of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma ransacked 92 runs in their Powerplay, while New Zealand slumped to 52/3 in response.
I think that was the tale of the day, was the two Powerplays. I think we were three for 40-odd and they were 90-odd for none. Everything kind of has to go well when you're chasing 250. And losing the wickets in the Powerplay is always a challenge.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand Captain
The skipper also defended his decisions, noting that the mixed-soil Ahmedabad surface offered "zero spin," justifying the inclusion of seamer Jacob Duffy over off-spinner Cole McConchie. However, he admitted the execution faltered against the sheer range of the Indian hitters.
Santner was candid about the difficulty of bowling to India’s current top three, Samson, Sharma, and Ishan Kishan, who have redefined aggression in the 2024-26 cycle.
There wasn't a lot of seam or swing to start so I think the bowlers are trying to do what they can to get out of the hitting arc. We know how good both Sanju, Abhishek, Kishan are at hitting all over the wicket. I think whichever way you look at it, there's no perfect plan when guys are going. I think it is hard to stop when guys are going like that.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand Captain
On the decision to pull Glenn Phillips from the attack after a five-run over, Santner explained: "The way they played that over, Abhishek played it very smart... if Sanju had got out it might have been another option for GP to bowl to the two left-handers. But when you're not taking wickets it's always a challenge."
Despite the empty-handed feeling that has become familiar to New Zealand fans, Santner is already pivoting toward the future. The Black Caps will now prepare for the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa before co-hosting the 2028 T20 World Cup alongside Australia.
It's probably quite far away... but our next T20 World Cup is in Australia and New Zealand, so it'll be nice to get a few fans and the crowd there in familiar conditions. That's one of the hardest things is to win a World Cup in your country. So for India to do that... they should be very proud.
Mitchell Santner, New Zealand Captain
Santner concluded by thanking the supporters back home: "I might have to go to work obviously without a trophy today, but we've obviously great support back home. I am thanking the fans."
