“Would not mind breaking few hearts.. “, Mitchell Santner gives ‘deja vu’ ahead of ICC T20 WC 2026 Final

Kolkata : 2 times champion India are set to face led New Zealand in ICC T20 WC 2026 Final at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, at 19:00 PM IST, same ground where they lost 2023 WC final against Australia after an unbeaten run.

Ahmedabad is where Surya made his T20I debut played an innings to forget in 2023 WC final, whose ghosts still haunt him and India. Life is a circle, so Surya, as captain, taking over from Rohit Sharma after winning T20 WC 2024 returns to the same ground for final battle.

“This feels like a proper family,” he said. “You can turn up to any player, any support staff member, because even they have been in these situations during their playing days. Talking to each other helps a lot to stay calm. I don’t need to give them advice. They work best when they are given the freedom. All I do is tell them to keep sticking to the methods that have worked for them.”

India and New Zealand have faced each other 30 times in T20I, with India winning 18. However, they’re yet to beat New Zealand in T20 WC as India have lost in all 3 occasions. At Ahmedabad, India have played 10 T20Is and won 7 of them.

“They (New Zealand) have very tactical side,” admitted Suryakumar. “They come with a good plan. But we also have our plans, preparing for this big stage. So, we want to focus on what we do, rather than think about them.”

India came into the final winning 7 losing only to South Africa at Ahmedabad. No 1 T20I Batter and Bowler Abhishek Sharma and Varun Chakaravarthy are completely out of touch. Surya also didn’t find his full rhythm.

India despite struggling at various phases in the tournament, even against Associate nations, have seen a hero in every match and managed to win. Inclusion of Sanju Samson late in the tournament has been boost for them as he played 2 consecutive match winning knocks in virtual knockout and semfinal.

Eyes will also be on Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan and Jasprit Bumrah. Kishan has been explosive in top order , Pandya showed all-round heroics and Bumrah has been crucial in all matches holding his nerves and stopping run flow.

For New Zealand, who’re coming after crushing undefeated South Africa in semi final have well balanced team. Top order Batters – Tim Seifert and Finn Allen have terrorised opponents with big partnerships. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Philips have played important all-round roles. Daryl Mitchell and skipper Santner are likely to have big impacts in Ahmedabad. However, major threats to Indian top order are speedsters Matt Henry, Lockie Ferguson and late inclusion Cole McConchie.

“Everyone knows we are not the favourites, but we don’t mind. If we do the small things well and put in a strong team performance, then we will be in a pretty good position. I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once”, remarked captain Santner.

It will be played on Mixed soil Pitch unlike 2023 Final’s black soil. Hot and humid weather suggests dew factor in 2nd innings, so today, in expected runfest clash, chasing team will get advantage.