'They're very calm and very level-headed' - Mitchell Santner speaks of MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming's influence ahead of 1st T20I

Following a whitewash in the ODI series against hosts India, the Kiwis are all set to tussle in a three-match T20I series, commencing on January 27 in Ranchi. New Zealand's Mitchell Santner, who will be leading his side in the absence of Kane Williamson and Tom Latham, expressed his excitement about leading the side in another series.

Mitchell Santner was one of New Zealand's best performers in a forgetful ODI assignment against the Indians. However, they have got a chance to redeem themselves in the upcoming T20I series under the leadership of Santner. The Kiwi all-rounder revealed being a bit nervous ahead of the T20I series opener in Ranchi.

"Yeah, I guess that [being cool] is my nature, and it has been like that for a little while now. But there's also nerves and [it's] very exciting to captain another series in India - it doesn't get much better than that. So, definitely looking forward to it," Santner said on the eve of the first T20I in Ranchi.

We try to keep a level head in the New Zealand setup: Santner

Speaking about his composure on the pitch, whether batting or bowling, the Kiwi spoke about the influence of his CSK skipper MS Dhoni and compatriot Stephen Fleming. Santner has previously led the side in the absence of Williamson, while this could prove to be his toughest assignment to date. But he is willing to take a leaf out of Dhoni and Fleming's book by trying to keep a calm head on the field.

"If you look at both of them [MS Dhoni and Stephen Fleming], they're very calm and very level-headed, which I like. So, I feel like I'm similar [to them] in that respect, and working alongside MS has been a pretty cool experience for a few years now.

"I guess it's nice to be back at his home ground [in Ranchi] as well. And Flem, he's the same, very level-headed and keeps it very relaxed and that's what we try to do in this [New Zealand] set-up as well," he added.

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