Coach Says New Zealand Ready for Big Final Against India

Ahmedabad, March 2026 : Ahead of the highly anticipated T20 World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday, Rob Walter, head coach of New Zealand national cricket team, acknowledged that India national cricket team will enter the contest as favourites. However, he made it clear that the Black Caps are comfortable carrying the underdog tag and are confident in their collective strength to challenge for the title.

Speaking ahead of the summit clash, Walter said New Zealand have become accustomed to being labelled underdogs, particularly when facing a cricketing giant like India. He pointed out that the differences between the two nations in terms of resources and scale are significant.

“We’re quite used to being called the underdogs,” Walter said. “We have fewer players, fewer financial resources and, in many ways, less of most things when compared to India. In almost every aspect, India has a bigger system.”

Despite these differences, Walter stressed that New Zealand’s greatest strength lies in their unity as a team and their ability to perform collectively under pressure. Throughout the tournament, he said, different players have stepped up at crucial moments, which has helped the team reach the final.

“What we do have is a strong sense of collective responsibility,” he explained. “Throughout this competition, different players have contributed at different times to help us get the job done. The final will be no different. On occasions like this, anything can happen, and that’s what makes sport so exciting.”

Walter acknowledged that India’s impressive run in the tournament makes them favourites on paper but emphasised that such expectations do not automatically guarantee victory.

“India would have to be considered the favourites,” he said. “But being favourites doesn’t hand you the trophy. Finals are unpredictable, and it all comes down to which team executes better on the day.”

The New Zealand coach also highlighted the team’s dominant victory over the South Africa national cricket team in the semifinals as an example of what the Black Caps are capable of when they perform at their best. In that match, New Zealand defeated the side led by Aiden Markram by nine wickets, producing one of their most convincing displays of the tournament.

“That game showed what we can do when everything comes together,” Walter said. “If we put in another performance like that, we know we can compete with the best teams in the world.”

Walter also reserved special praise for New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, highlighting his calm leadership and the respect he commands within the squad. According to the coach, Santner’s composed approach has played an important role in guiding the team through high-pressure situations.

“He’s a very understated person and sometimes doesn’t get the recognition he deserves,” Walter said. “But his calmness and level-headedness on the field have a huge influence on the team’s performance.”

Walter added that Santner’s leadership style resonates strongly with the players, who respect not only his skills but also the way he manages pressure and handles critical moments during matches.

“The team responds really well to his leadership,” he said. “They respect his ability as a cricketer and appreciate the calm way he deals with situations. Having someone so composed leading the side is a big advantage as we go into such an important match.”

With both teams preparing for the title clash in front of what is expected to be a packed crowd in Ahmedabad, New Zealand remain determined to rely on teamwork, composure and belief as they attempt to upset the favourites and claim the championship.