IPL 2026: Mitchell Santner concussion substitute sparks controversy, Jayawardene responds
MI vs CSK IPL 2026: Mahela Jayawardene explains Mitchell Santner’s concussion substitute decision after controversy in Mumbai Indians’ record loss.
MI vs CSK IPL 2026: Mahela Jayawardene explains Mitchell Santner’s concussion substitute decision after controversy in Mumbai Indians’ record loss.
The Black Caps had entered the title clash full of confidence after upsetting South Africa in the semi-finals. However, they were outplayed by the tournament co-hosts, suffering a 96-run defeat.
“I wouldn't mind winning a trophy,” Santner said in the press conference on Saturday.
Former New Zealand pacer Simon Doull thinks the Black Caps will not be fazed by the nature of the soil in the pitch for Sunday’s Men’s T20 World Cup final against India, to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
However, India’s record at the Narendra Modi Stadium has been far from convincing.
It was the 2015 ODI World Cup semi-final that defined the contest between these two sides, when New Zealand edged South Africa in a heart-stopping finish, leaving the Proteas and their fans shattered
With this win, New Zealand, who earlier had earned one point after a washout against Pakistan, are now in second spot with three points and have a chance to move to the semifinals, with their final Super Eight clash against semifinalists England being important.
The match is a must-win affair for Sri Lanka if they are to keep themselves in contention for the semi-finals.
The 27-year-old is set to link up with the squad in Mumbai on Sunday, ahead of New Zealand’s warm-up match against the USA on February 5.
Despite having already sealed the series 3-1, India were in experimental mode in the fourth T20I at Visakhapatnam. The team opted to play five specialist bowlers, keeping all-rounders Hardik Pandya and Shivam Dube out of the bowling plans.
