'Could Have Been Other Way Around': Mitchell Santner Reflects on 3-2 Series Loss to India
NZ skipper Mitchell Santner reflects on the tight T20I series against India, highlighting key moments and a strong consolation win.
Despite a dominant finish in the final encounter, New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner believes the T20I series against India was decided by the thinnest of margins. While India emerged victorious with a 3-2 series win, Santner noted that a few "small moments" in the opening stages could have completely flipped the result.
Speaking after New Zealand's emphatic seven-wicket victory in the fifth and final T20I at Seddon Park, the skipper acknowledged the quality of the Indian side but lamented missed opportunities in the first two matches played in Christchurch. According to Santner, those early games were pivotal, and had the Black Caps capitalized, the series scoreline might have looked very different.
Finding Silver Linings in Defeat
While the trophy went to India, Santner is choosing to focus on the positives. He highlighted the team's overall performance, particularly the synergy between the batting and bowling units. He noted that the bowlers showed great adaptability, especially in the final games, which provides a blueprint for future success.
The captain specifically pointed to the learning curve associated with playing at this time of year, suggesting that these insights will be invaluable when the team competes in similar conditions during a future World Cup.
Tactical Shifts and Bowling Depth
The final match provided a masterclass in mid-game adjustments. Santner revealed that after a dangerous third-wicket partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan shifted the momentum toward India, the New Zealand seamers had to rethink their approach.
"I thought we mixed it up really nicely... we, the seamers, kind of mixed it up. Yorkers, wide, a little bit straight with length," Santner explained.
Beyond tactics, Santner expressed immense confidence in the team's squad depth. He mentioned that the current schedule has allowed for significant player rotation, giving "fringe guys" the chance to prove they can step up and perform under pressure when the regulars are rested.
The Glenn Phillips Factor
One standout performer for the Black Caps was Glenn Phillips. Santner praised the batter's remarkable consistency throughout the series, noting his ability to settle into an innings before launching an attack against a world-class bowling lineup.
Phillips' ability to put New Zealand in strong positions was evident in their high-scoring totals, including matches where they crossed the 200 and 260-run marks. His contribution was not just about the runs, but the timing and temperament he brought to the crease.
A Dominant Finale at Seddon Park
The series ended on a high note for New Zealand, who chased down a challenging target of 192 in just 17.4 overs. The victory was powered by a blistering 93 off 50 balls from Tim Seifert, who hammered 11 fours and five sixes.
Supporting him was Glenn Phillips, who remained unbeaten on 65 off 38 deliveries (including eight fours and three sixes). The pair shared a commanding 86-run partnership for the third wicket, ensuring a consolation win for the hosts even as India celebrated the overall series triumph.
With this performance, Phillips joined the elite company of Mohammad Rizwan and S Ravichandran by registering four half-centuries in a single series.