Daryl Mitchell reveals how IPL experience helped him power New Zealand to historic series win

Daryl Mitchell's prolific run-scoring proved decisive as New Zealand scripted a landmark achievement by securing their first-ever ODI series victory in India. The middle-order batter produced scores of 84, unbeaten 131, and 137 across the three-match series, with his twin centuries anchoring successful chases twice in a row after the visitors had gone 0-1 down.

Mitchell’s consistency under pressure became the backbone of New Zealand’s turnaround, allowing the side to regain momentum and close out the series with authority and win their first-ever ODI series in India. The centuries in the second and third ODIs not only swung the results New Zealand’s way but also underlined Mitchell’s growing reputation as one of the most reliable overseas batters in Indian conditions.

Reflecting on his comfort on Indian pitches, Mitchell pointed to his experience in the Indian Premier League, where he has previously represented Rajasthan Royals in 2022 and Chennai Super Kings in 2024.

“I am very grateful for the time I spent in Chennai, and also in Rajasthan,” Mitchell said after the third ODI on Monday. “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,” Mitchell said.

Despite that familiarity, Mitchell went unsold at the IPL 2026 auction and, as things stand, will not feature in the upcoming season. Even so, his understanding of local conditions was evident throughout the ODI series, particularly in his shot selection and ability to pace long innings on slower surfaces. Mitchell was quick to underline that the groundwork for the series success was laid well before the team arrived in India.

 “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,” he said.

The India tour continues a remarkable trend for Mitchell in the 50-over format. In 16 ODIs played in the country, he has amassed 938 runs at an average of 72.15, including four centuries and three half-centuries, comfortably his most productive returns in any nation. By comparison, he has scored 650 runs from 18 ODIs in New Zealand at an average of 65.00.

New Zealand will square off against India in a five match T20I series with the first T20I scheduled to be played on January 21 in Nagpur.