Mitchell Santner’s rise from dependable all‑rounder to New Zealand’s white‑ball captain and stand‑in Test skipper has reshaped the Black Caps’ leadership core. This blog compiles his latest captaincy record across formats and explains what the numbers say about his leadership style.
- Why captaincy matters: field settings, bowling changes, and tactical calls under pressure
- Comparing formats: Tests demand patience; ODIs require balance; T20Is test instant decision‑making
- What you’ll get here: clean stats, context, and practical take‑aways
Key Metrics in Captaincy Records
We use standard captaincy metrics: Matches captained, Wins, Losses, Draw/No‑Result/Tied (as applicable), and Win Percentage. Win% is calculated over decisions only (i.e., excluding NR/Draw/Tied where applicable).
- Matches captained
- Matches won
- Matches lost
- Draw / No‑result / Tied (format‑specific)
- Win percentage
Test Matches – Santner as Test Captain
Santner took over as New Zealand’s full‑time white‑ball captain in December 2024 and has led regularly in ODIs through 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Matches captained | 2 |
| Matches won | 2 |
| Matches lost | 0 |
| Matches drawn | 0 |
| Win percentage | 100.00 % |
One‑Day Internationals (ODIs) – Captaincy Record
Santner took over as New Zealand’s full‑time white‑ball captain in December 2024 and has led regularly in ODIs through 2025.
| Metric | Value |
| Matches captained | 18 |
| Matches won | 12 |
| Matches lost | 5 |
| No-Result / Tied | 1 |
| Win percentage | 70.58 % (12 wins in 17 decisions) |
Context: Includes series vs Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan in 2025 ODI calendar. Santner has maintained a strong 70%+ win rate since Dec 2024, balancing spin control with flexible batting orders.
Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) – Captaincy Record
Santner has been New Zealand’s go‑to T20I leader across several series, often stewarding second‑string line‑ups during busy calendars.
| Metric | Value |
| Matches captained | 31 |
| Matches won | 18 |
| Matches lost | 11 |
| No-Result / Tied | 2 |
| Win percentage | 62.06 % (18 wins in 29 decisions) |
Context: Covers 2024–25 seasons vs Pakistan, Australia, and West Indies. Santner has become NZ’s most frequent T20I leader calm under pressure and tactical in bowling rotations
Overall Captaincy Record (All Formats Combined)
Aggregating across formats gives a top‑line view. (Win% computed over decisions only: total wins divided by matches excluding NR/Draw/Tied.)
| Metric | Value |
| Total matches captained | 51 |
| Total wins | 32 |
| Total losses | 16 |
| NR / Draw / Tied | 3 |
| Overall win percentage | 66.66 % (32 wins in 48 decisions) |
| Metric | Value |
| Total matches captained | 51 |
| Total wins | 32 |
| Total losses | 16 |
| NR / Draw / Tied | 3 |
Understanding the Formats – Test, ODI & T20I
Each international format pressures captains differently. Tests stretch leadership over days; ODIs compress strategy into 50 overs; T20Is force high‑speed choices every ball. Reading captaincy numbers across formats provides a full view of a leader’s adaptability.
- Test cricket: multi‑day game, endurance and session‑by‑session control
- One‑Day Internationals (ODIs): 50 overs, balancing attack and risk control
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): rapid, high‑variance, micro‑tactics
Key Take‑Aways & Insights
- Perfect start as Test captain (2–0) indicates calm, control, and clarity in longer formats
- Strong ODI win% despite limited fixtures and squad rotation
- Solid T20I returns amid high‑variance conditions and frequent personnel changes
- Overall win% above 60% on decisions reflects a stable leader with adaptable plans
Why These Records Matter for Fans & Teams
Captaincy records are a window into team stability and tactical edge. For selectors, they indicate leadership depth; for fans, they frame debates around style versus results; for analysts, they reveal how plans translate under pressure.
- Benchmark for evaluating future series and squad transitions
- Evidence of tactical acumen and bowling‑change timing
- Helpful context for comparing captains across eras and formats
Final Thoughts
Mitchell Santner’s captaincy through 2025 shows consistency in white‑ball cricket and composure in Tests. As fixtures intensify, these numbers will evolve but the early trend is clear: Santner leads with clarity, balance, and trust.
