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After clinching the ODI series against India, New Zealand’s confidence is sky-high ahead of the upcoming T20I series. Black Caps captain Mitchell Santner believes the momentum from the ODIs can carry forward into the shortest format as well—and he has made a special wish that could worry Team India.

Santner hopes that Daryl Mitchell continues the same blistering form in T20Is that he showed in the ODI series.

Santner Praises Daryl Mitchell’s Transformation

Ahead of the T20 series, Santner openly praised Mitchell’s improvement, especially against spin bowling.

“Daryl initially struggled against spin, but he has worked incredibly hard. You can see the results now—he’s playing spin really well. Hopefully, he can do the same in T20s as well,” Santner said.

Mitchell was the standout performer in the ODI series, scoring two centuries and one half-century in three matches, which played a decisive role in New Zealand’s series victory over India.

Numbers Say One Thing, Form Says Another

Interestingly, Daryl Mitchell’s T20I record against India is not very strong. He averages around 20 against India in T20 internationals, suggesting that the Indian bowlers have generally managed to contain him in this format.

However, form often trumps past records. Given Mitchell’s current confidence and rhythm, he could still pose a serious challenge to the Indian attack if he adapts quickly to the T20 format.

T20 Series Seen as World Cup Preparation

Santner also highlighted the importance of this series with the ICC Men's T20 World Cup approaching in India.

“We love playing in India. Competing against a strong team like India in these conditions is a great opportunity to prepare well before the World Cup,” Santner said, calling the five-match T20I series crucial for New Zealand’s preparations.

India vs New Zealand: T20I Head-to-Head

The rivalry between India national cricket team and New Zealand national cricket team in T20Is has been closely fought:

• Total T20Is played: 25

• India wins: 12

• New Zealand wins: 10

India has won the last three T20I series against New Zealand. The Kiwis last won a T20I series in India on September 11, 2012, which remains their only series win on Indian soil—and that too was a single-match series.

What Lies Ahead?

India enter the T20 series with a strong historical edge at home, but New Zealand’s recent ODI success and Daryl Mitchell’s red-hot form add an extra layer of intrigue. If Mitchell delivers in T20s as Santner hopes, India could face a tougher challenge than expected.