Christchurch, Oct 22 — New Zealand batting all-rounder Daryl Mitchell said a visit by India always brings a special buzz in the country, as the hosts prepare to open their home summer against the current T20 World Cup champions in the first of five games at a packed Hagley Oval.
Former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming, who will join the England Test team as their head coach at the conclusion of the T20I series, rang the Hagley Oval bell to mark the start of proceedings in front of a sell-out crowd.
"Oh look, it's exciting any time I guess India comes over. Excited to see a full Hagley Park. It's going to be pretty cool. It's nice to wake up at home and do the school pick-up at 3:30 this afternoon, and then here we are playing some cricket, so it should be good fun," Mitchell said in a pre-game chat with the broadcasters.
The two sides are meeting for the first time since India beat New Zealand in the T20 World Cup final in Ahmedabad, but Mitchell said the excitement had little to do with settling old scores.
"No, any time you play for New Zealand, it's very special, and to take on India on our home turf is something that we're really excited about. So looking forward to this five-match series and ODIs and Tests after that as well."
Returning to the shortest format after a break, Mitchell said the side was also keeping one eye on the next T20 World Cup, which New Zealand will co-host with Australia in 2028.
"You always try to evolve. We know there's another World Cup now in two years' time in our own conditions, so I guess it's trying to learn as much as we can at this time of year and at the same time keep trying to win games and create momentum," he said.
Acknowledging the strength of the Indian side, Mitchell said testing himself against the best T20I team makes the contest so appealing. "They're world-class in all departments, but that's why you play international cricket, is to test yourself against the best. So, it's going to be good fun and looking forward to it."