Mitchell Santner (Getty Images)
NEW DELHI: New Zealand skipper Mitchell Santner had no hesitation in acknowledging that his team was outplayed by a “better” Indian side in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday. Chasing a target of 252, India secured victory with six balls to spare, thanks to Rohit Sharma’s fluent 76 and stellar bowling performances from Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy.
“It’s been a good tournament. We have been challenged along the way and the way we have grown as a group. We lost to a better side today. Everyone contributed to the tournament and put their hands up at different times,” Santner said during the presentation ceremony.
Despite India’s strong start, New Zealand’s bowlers fought back admirably to push the game deep. Rohit and Shubman Gill had provided India with a rapid start, but before that, the Indian spinners had put the brakes on New Zealand’s innings after Rachin Ravindra’s promising start.
“It was good bowling. We lost a couple of wickets after the powerplay and they really got the squeeze on. Credit to how their spinners bowled. They are world-class bowlers. We were 20 or 25 under to what we were looking for,” Santner admitted.
Glenn Phillips produced a moment of brilliance in the field, dismissing Gill with a spectacular leaping catch at cover. Santner was quick to applaud his teammate’s effort while also praising Rohit’s innings.
“That man (Phillips), he keeps doing it. The way Rohit and Gill went about it was great. Rohit going at almost a run a ball on that wicket was outstanding. We knew the game could change quickly, and that happened.”
The New Zealand captain also heaped praise on opener Rachin Ravindra, who delivered standout performances throughout the tournament, including a century.
“We have seen how he steps up in these tournaments. With the ball as well, he stepped up. He understands the game at such a young age. He’s got a massive future. Even today, he went over a run a ball.”
Reflecting on his experience of leading the team in his first ICC tournament, Santner expressed gratitude for the support he received.
“It has been very enjoyable. Made easy by the group. Different guys stepping up at different times makes it easy. We have had a few challenges, but we have adapted. It has been a great tournament.”
