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New Zealand Captain Mitchell Santner Breaks Silence on India’s Home Advantage Debate in Champions Trophy

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New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner spoke about the team’s preparation ahead of their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final against South Africa. Addressing the media on Tuesday, March 4, Santner shared his thoughts on the tournament’s schedule and the impact of different venues. He also responded to questions about conditions, saying that while he prefers Dubai’s spin-friendly pitches, the venue does not determine a team’s success.

Mitchell Santner’s Take on the Venue Debate

Santner dismissed concerns about playing conditions, saying that reaching a final is a bigger achievement than worrying about the venue. His statement indirectly addressed critics who argue that Team India performs better at home than in overseas tournaments.

“Right now, the main focus is just getting to the final and taking things as they come. From my perspective, Dubai offers a bit more spin, so it would be interesting to play there. But ultimately, the outcome of the semi-final will determine our next step. We’ll wait and see who we’re facing, but reaching a final is always a great achievement, so the venue doesn’t matter much,” Santner said.

Tough Travel Schedule for New Zealand

New Zealand had to travel from Dubai to Lahore for their semi-final. Santner joked that the players felt like they had slept for an entire day due to the long journey. However, he assured that the team had a good rest and was ready for the crucial game against South Africa.

“The travel was tough, but it’s good to have it behind us. Now, we can reset and prepare. The team had a solid rest last night, so we’re gearing up for today and tomorrow,” Santner added.

ODI Cricket and Player Workload

Santner also spoke about the challenges of playing ODIs with such a packed schedule. He highlighted how crucial rest and recovery are for bowlers, especially before important knockout matches.

“One-day cricket can be physically demanding, so for us, today is about ensuring the bowlers are in the best shape for tomorrow. I doubt they’ll be doing much today apart from getting ready,” he said.

With New Zealand aiming for a place in the final, Santner’s words reflect the mindset of a team focused on adapting and performing, regardless of conditions or travel fatigue.

Story First Published at www.probatsman.com on 05 March 2025

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