INDIA VS NZ Exciting Clash Ahead: ‘India may be favorites, but that doesn’t guarantee the trophy,’ says NZ coach ahead of T20 WC final

Ahmedabad: New Zealand national cricket team head coach Rob Walter acknowledged India’s status as favourites ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 final to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday but insisted that the Black Caps are comfortable embracing the underdog tag and backing their collective strength to challenge for the title.

New Zealand coach speaks ahead of high-stakes T20 World Cup final

The highly anticipated final has generated immense excitement among cricket fans worldwide, as two strong teams prepare for what promises to be a thrilling contest. India enters the final with a strong record in the tournament and the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd, while New Zealand hopes to deliver another memorable performance on the global stage.

Speaking before the summit clash, Walter said New Zealand have grown accustomed to being labelled underdogs, especially when facing a cricketing powerhouse like India.

Rob Walter reflects on underdog tag

“I think we’re so used to being called the underdogs, to be fair. We have less players, we have fewer financial resources, we’ve got less of most things to be fair. Probably everything when it comes to India,” Walter said.

The coach’s remarks reflect the long-standing perception in international cricket that New Zealand often enters major tournaments with fewer resources compared to larger cricketing nations. Despite these challenges, the team has repeatedly proven its ability to compete with the best.

New Zealand’s consistent performances in global tournaments over the past decade have demonstrated that determination, teamwork, and strategic planning can help overcome resource gaps.

Team unity highlighted as New Zealand’s biggest strength

Despite the disparity in resources and player base, the coach emphasised that New Zealand’s biggest strength lies in their team unity and collective approach throughout the tournament.

“But I suppose what we do have as a team is an understanding that it’s a collective effort. The whole competition has been around different people contributing at different times to get the job done.

“Today will be no different. Anything can happen on these occasions, and I think that’s what makes sports so awesome. Whilst India would have to be favourites, that doesn’t necessarily hand them the trophy.” he said.

Walter’s statement reflects the unpredictable nature of cricket finals, where momentum, pressure, and individual brilliance can quickly change the course of a match.

Strong semifinal performance boosts confidence

The New Zealand coach also pointed to their strong performance against South Africa national cricket team, where they beat the Aiden Markram-led team by 9 wickets, as proof that the team can rise to the occasion against top opposition.

“We showed against South Africa that if we put it all together, we can be the best in the world. Today will be no different. Just trying to put our best foot forward.”

The impressive victory in the semifinal gave New Zealand strong momentum heading into the final. Their balanced performance with both bat and ball demonstrated the team’s ability to deliver under pressure.

Praise for Mitchell Santner’s leadership

He also praised Mitchell Santner’s captaincy skills and feels that he has good control over the team, and every player respects his skillset.

“He’s such an understated guy, can be undervalued at times, I think. But his level-headedness, his calmness on the field, goes a very long way to the performance of the team. It’s quite obvious that the team responds well to that type of leadership. They respect him because of his skill set, but also the way he handles the occasion and the situation. I think it’s great to have someone who’s so level-headed stepping into today’s contest,” he added.

Santner’s calm leadership style has played an important role in maintaining stability within the team during high-pressure matches.

Anticipation builds for thrilling final

The final between India and New Zealand is expected to draw massive viewership across the globe, with millions of fans eagerly waiting to see which team will lift the prestigious T20 World Cup trophy.

India enters the match with strong home support and a powerful squad, while New Zealand hopes to rely on discipline, teamwork, and smart strategy to challenge the favourites.

As the teams prepare for the decisive contest in Ahmedabad, cricket lovers around the world are looking forward to a memorable finale that could produce dramatic moments, outstanding performances, and a deserving champion.

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