AHMEDABAD: In a bold pre-match statement ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 final at Narendra Modi Stadium, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner declared he’s ready to shatter Indian hearts if it means lifting the trophy. Facing a roaring home crowd on Sunday, Santner embraced the villain role with confidence.
New Zealand has been a consistent performer in ICC white-ball tournaments over the past decade, reaching the final for the fifth time in 11 years. Yet, heartbreak has defined their campaigns—no trophies despite admirable runs. The Black Caps are often hailed as the team that wins hearts but not silverware.
When pressed on whether his side was prepared to play the ‘bad guys’ and crush billions of Indian dreams, Santner didn’t flinch. ‘I’ll have no problem breaking a few hearts to win that trophy,’ he affirmed during the press conference.
Reflecting on his team’s journey, Santner highlighted their resilience. ‘We’ve been consistent because we don’t let conditions or opponents dictate our game. We just go out and play,’ he said. Despite not being favorites, he believes focusing on the basics could propel them to glory.
The pitch remains under covers, but Santner anticipates a high-scoring thriller. He also lavished praise on India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a ‘world-class game-changer’ after his exploits against England.
As the Kiwis chase their elusive title, Santner’s words set the stage for an epic clash where sentiment might take a backseat to silver.