Strategic Outlook: Santner Emphasizes New Zealand’s Long-Term Vision Ahead of T20 World Cup

New Zealand’s T20I captain, Mitchell Santner, emphasized that his team is focusing on the “bigger picture” and using the five-match T20I series against India as preparation for the World Cup, rather than dwelling on their recent ODI successes.

“We have had some recent victories in India across various formats. This series is about competing against a strong team under conditions similar to those expected in the World Cup,” Santner remarked at the VCA stadium on Tuesday, ahead of the opening T20I match.

Acknowledging that the Indian team will present a different challenge in the T20I format, Santner noted, “While the ODI results were favorable, this T20 series features a different lineup.”

He further explained, “We are working to identify the best team composition. Our priority is to ensure the players are performing well and remain fresh. Although winning the series is important whenever we play for New Zealand, our ultimate goal remains the World Cup,” Santner concluded.

(Published on January 20, 2026)