New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell believes the Black Caps can draw strength from their status as “Indian cricket fans’ second favorite team” as they attempt to navigate a tough Super Eight group and book a place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup.
The 2021 finalists, who were knocked out at the group stage in the previous edition, now face two must-win matches against former champions Sri Lanka and England after their The Super Eight opener against Pakistan was lost on Saturday.
“We think we are the second most popular team in India and the support we get in the country is really great,” Mitchell told Reuters.
“Hopefully we can turn the sea of blue we’re used to when we play India into some black shirts as well.”
While the warmth of the Indian crowds is welcome, the immediate test lies in handling the subcontinental conditions. New Zealand must first negotiate the Colombo diversionary tracks when they face Sri Lanka on Wednesday, followed by England two days later. Mitchell believes the team’s accumulated experience in these conditions could be decisive.
“We all grew up in New Zealand on fast, bouncy, grass wickets,” he added.
“I think the experience our group has gained from playing in these parts of the world over the years has helped with how we want to go about it.”
Although New Zealand have one eye on lifting their first T20 World Cup trophy, Mitchell stressed the importance of staying grounded.
“It would be really nice to get over the line and win the trophy, but there’s a lot of cricket to be played in the meantime,” said the 34-year-old.
“So for us, the power is staying present in the moment. We’re not looking too far ahead and making it bigger than it is.”
Mitchell, who has scored 1,856 T20 internationals in 100 matches since his debut in 2019, has embraced the finisher’s role in a team fueled at the top by the explosive Tim Seifert and Finn Allen.
“The Bash Brothers have done a great job up top and that has continued throughout this tournament. We realized the balance of our side here in India,” Mitchell said.
“The power over is very important, but so is the middle (overs) with spin and death.
“I have a finisher’s role from 10 overs on – I try to read and adapt to the game situation and try to help us win those moments at the end of the innings.”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
February 23, 2026
