The stage is set for a mouth-watering showdown as New Zealand prepare to face India in the final of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Sunday in Ahmedabad. Both teams have shown remarkable form throughout the tournament, setting up a blockbuster showdown. For New Zealand, the final presents an opportunity to finally shake off a narrative that has followed them for more than a decade. 

The Black Caps have been one of the most consistent teams in global white-ball tournaments, yet the title has eluded them. Notably, New Zealand have reached the final of the 2025 Champions Trophy, 2021 T20 World Cup, 2019 ODI World Cup and 2015 ODI World Cup, but they have been unable to lift the trophy. Without a shadow of a doubt, stands at Narendra Modi Stadium will be drenched in blue, with passionate Indian supporters flooding the stadium. 

“I wouldn't mind winning a trophy. You look at this group and the groups in the past. We are pretty consistent in these tournaments because we try and not get overawed by the situation or opponents. We just go out there and do our thing. As a unit It's been no different this time," Santner said at the press conference.

"Obviously, it's going to be a challenge. Everyone knows we are not the favourites, but we don't mind. We know if we do the small things well and put in a strong team performance, then we will be in a pretty good position. I wouldn't mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once. But yeah, I wouldn’t mind breaking a few hearts to lift the trophy for once," he said.

While India are coming off comprehensive victories in their past matches, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy has been out of form, not being able to maintain the consistency he is known for. Nevertheless, Santner didn't shy away from admitting Varun's impact.

"No, I don't think so. We have all seen how good he is. For Varun, he has got to know that he is still a very good bowler. He is just one game away from changing the tide. It’s the same with any bowler or batter. If you are out of form, you are only one game away from being back in form. So it’s about going out there and proving it. It’s always a challenge, but days like that happen. It doesn’t get much harder than that. You can bank on that experience going into the next game. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you think about what it looks like and whether you can do things slightly differently,” he added.