NEW DELHI: New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner said he expects Daryl Mitchell to carry his dominant ODI form into the shortest format when the Black Caps take on reigning world champions India in a five-match T20I series starting on Wednesday.
Mitchell was in imperious form during the recent ODIs against India, logging scores of 84, 131 not out and 137 to play a major role in New Zealand's historic 2-1 series triumph.
“Daryl struggled against spin initially. But he worked incredibly hard and you can see the fruits of labour,” Santner said on the eve of the T20 series, placing his senior batter firmly in focus.
“He's playing spin well. He can control the game in middle overs during ODIs. Hope he does something similar in T20Is,” the left-arm spinner added.
Santner Eyes World Cup Preparation
Santner also highlighted the importance of playing in India ahead of the T20 World Cup, calling the tour a crucial learning phase for his side. The World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, begins on February 7.
“We love playing here. For us, it's about facing a great team in conditions which will be familiar during T20 World Cup,” he said.
Mitchell’s Record Gives New Zealand Confidence
Mitchell's recent ODI numbers against India explain why Santner is so optimistic.
The right-hander has been New Zealand's most reliable batter against India in recent years, delivering big scores across venues and conditions.
The run includes multiple centuries along with several fifty-plus knocks, many of them coming under intense pressure.
Mitchell's ability to play spin and control the tempo through the middle overs has been a constant feature of New Zealand's success against India in the format.
With the T20 World Cup drawing closer, Santner will be hoping Mitchell can bring the same calm and clarity into T20Is, where India’s spin-heavy attack and home conditions are set to pose a tough challenge for the visitors.
(With PTI Inputs)
