New Delhi. In the nineties, the New Zealand team gave place to dozens of all-rounders in the team. Players like Chris Cairns and Chris Harris played an important role in making New Zealand a strong team in ODI cricket. In recent years the importance of all-rounders has increased once again. But the number of all-rounders playing in every format can be counted in fingers. New Zealand has an emerging all-rounder in the form of Daryl Mitchell who seems to be making a mark in every format. Daryl Mitchell has played for Rajasthan Royals in IPL.
31-year-old Daryl Mitchell has played 14 Tests, 18 ODIs and 41 T20 matches for New Zealand. He scores runs in Test matches at an average of over 58.00. His batting average is around 38 in ODIs and more than 26.00 in T20 matches. Needless to say that Daryl Mitchell does impressive batting in all three formats. The icing on the cake is that he also bowls in all three formats. News18 Hindi recently spoke to Daryl Mitchell about his career and challenges. Here are the highlights:
Your record in Test, ODI and T20 matches is excellent. How do you strike that kind of balance across all formats of the game?
I think this is the demand of world cricket. You have to work hard on yourself to play in all the three formats of cricket. You have to mold yourself in different formats quickly. Everyone wants to do this. But most importantly, you need to know how to do this. And yes, it takes a little training along with hard work. Through this you keep getting better and keep trying to work on things. So when you go ahead, get on the field, stay focused and ready to perform.
How have you kept your batting average so high? This is very important in international cricket.
I am not too worried about numbers. All that is important for me is that I represent my country which I am proud of. To be able to do that, it is really important to do well in all three formats. I just try to win small moments and hope that my performance helps my team win.
There is a lot of emphasis on T20 cricket nowadays for the batsmen. There are challenges like performing bang from the very first ball. How do you approach, what kind of mindset do you have?
It is necessary to play fearlessly in T20 cricket. From time to time, we have to weigh the options and work on thinking when to take risk and when not. I think that’s a good thing. It all happens so quickly in T20 cricket. ODI cricket is a bit long. It gives a little more time to the game and then tests your cricket.
What advice would you give to a kid or young cricketer who wants to become a world class batsman?
why do you play sports? I play sports because I love it. Because I like competition. So in this game, when you have a good day or a bad day, forget it and go ahead and enjoy the competition. If you keep working hard enough consistently, good things will definitely happen.
My last question is who have been your idols growing up and where do you think you want to be in your career in the next few years?
As a child you have many role models. As a child, I loved watching Ricky Ponting bat. Then also got a chance to play with BJ Watling for a long time in my domestic career as a young kid and now playing with some great leaders.
You haven’t talked about your ambition in the next few years.
It is really a matter of pride for me to represent my country and again I hope that I can do so for many more years to come.
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FIRST PUBLISHED : January 24, 2023, 07:20 IST
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