As New Zealand secured their first-ever bilateral ODI series victory on Indian soil, Daryl Mitchell claims that the visitors’ historic victory was based on composed decision-making under pressure and team spirit.
With a crucial partnership between centurion Virat Kohli and Harshit Rana, India was on the verge of achieving a formidable chase of 338 in the series-deciding third game in Indore on Sunday, but they were defeated once the stand broke. Mitchell acknowledged that there was genuine pressure and commended his team’s poise.
“They had a really good partnership and there was a lot of pressure, especially considering the nature of this ground, the surface and the size of the dimensions. I was really proud of how calm the group stayed and how clear the plans were in terms of how we wanted to operate,” Mitchell, who scored 137, was quoted as saying by PTI.
He went on to describe the decider as a duel worthy of the occasion, adding: “It was a great game of cricket to go down to where it did. I think both teams should be very proud of the way they played.”
Mitchell stated that the victory had particular significance when considering the scope of the accomplishment.
“A number of New Zealand teams have toured India in the past and every time you come here, you learn and grow. But to come here with this group and achieve what we have is something the guys in the shed are really proud of. There will be some big smiles going back home.”
When asked to compare the ODI series victory to New Zealand’s most recent Test series victory in India, Mitchell remarked that both accomplishments demonstrated the team’s development.
“Beating India here is never easy, in any format. To do it with this group makes it very special for New Zealand cricket.”
Mitchell also talked positively about performing in front of Indian crowd.
“We’re used to pretty small crowds back in New Zealand. Then you come here and the noise people create is very special. It’s amazing to be part of that,” he said with a smile.
Mitchell, who has always performed well in Indian conditions, attributed his adaptation to his time in the IPL.
“I am very grateful for the time I spent in Chennai, and also in Rajasthan. Hopefully, I’ll be back here a few more times in the future. India is a great place to tour. Playing in front of these fans is very special.”
But he emphasized that New Zealand’s preparation back home was just as important.
“We spent a lot of time preparing in Lincoln and at Mount Maunganui. International cricket gives you exposure to different surfaces and different ways of scoring runs. We’re very lucky to have good preparation back home and groundsmen who help us simulate conditions.”
Despite New Zealand’s obvious intention to attack Indian wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, Mitchell had some positive things to say about him.
“Kuldeep is world-class. There’s a reason we try to put him under pressure — when he bowls well, he sets up their whole attack. He can spin the ball both ways and I still think he has a massive role to play for India in the future.”
Mitchell felt it was understandable for India to choose to bowl first in the series final.
“We would have done the same. If there’s any dew later on, it can become hard to control. As visiting teams, we don’t always know the conditions as well as the locals, so you’re guessing and trying to make the best decisions together.”
Mitchell remarked that despite losing early wickets, he and Glenn Phillips (106) had a vital partnership that complemented each other well.
“With GP, we’ve got different angles, so we work well as a partnership. He’s a very fast runner, so my challenge is trying to keep up with him. We lost a couple of wickets early and the focus was on extending the partnership and putting the pressure back on them.”
Mitchell was especially happy to see Phillips make a great comeback following his injury.
“He’s been out for a long time, so it was awesome to see him come out and do what he does,” he said.
