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Santner Reflects on New Zealand’s Hard-Fought Battle Against India
New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner remained proud of his team’s resilience despite their defeat to India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final. While acknowledging the heartbreak of falling short in yet another major final, Santner commended his squad for their determination and the competitive spirit they displayed throughout the tournament.
He singled out Rohit Sharma, whose match-winning performance was crucial in securing India’s victory.
A Bittersweet End to an Impressive Campaign
Speaking to reporters after the match, Santner described the result as “bittersweet.” While disappointed by the loss, he recognized India’s strength as a formidable opponent.
“We faced a formidable opponent in the final. We challenged India at different moments, which was encouraging. But there were a few key moments where we let the game slip away,” Santner admitted.
Despite the setback, he expressed immense pride in his team’s efforts. With a blend of experienced players and promising young talent, the squad showcased remarkable depth and adaptability.
“Various players have risen to the occasion throughout the tournament, which has been remarkable. It’s been an easy team to captain because of the way everyone has contributed. I’m incredibly proud of this group and the way we’ve approached the competition,” he added.
Rohit Sharma’s Brilliance Tipped the Scale
Santner acknowledged that New Zealand was competitive for most of the match, but a few missed opportunities proved costly. He pointed out that the team fell slightly short with the bat, estimating that an additional 20 runs could have made a difference.
“We remained competitive for a significant part of the match. Maybe we left 20 runs out there, and the way Rohit Sharma played took it away from us,” he stated.
Rohit Sharma’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. His commanding innings shifted the momentum in India’s favor, making it difficult for New Zealand to claw back into the game.
No Regrets Despite Another Final Loss
New Zealand has consistently participated in major tournament finals in recent years, but success has often eluded them at the last hurdle. However, Santner refused to be disheartened by another final defeat.
“If you’re reaching finals, it means you’re competing against the best. We knew we were up against a strong Indian side, and I’m proud of how we fought tonight,” he said.
Santner emphasized that New Zealand never gives up; this match was no exception. The team battled hard until the end, embodying the resilience and fighting spirit they are known for.
“You always want to win these big tournaments, and I don’t know how many more chances we’ll get, but this one is up there for us. We played some great cricket leading up to this final, and we truly believed we had a chance today. But in the end, we were beaten by a better team,” he concluded.
New Zealand’s Future Looks Bright
While the Champions Trophy 2025 final loss will sting, New Zealand cricket continues to show promise. With a strong core of seasoned players and emerging talent, the team remains a formidable force on the international stage.
Although they fell short this time, their determination, consistency, and competitive spirit suggest that future triumphs could be on the horizon.
