Kiwis have the required potential to fly high... higher then ever before

In an extraordinary week for New Zealand sport, the Black Caps’ triumphs in Bengaluru and Pune stand out as something truly unmatched.  

In a world still trying to maintain some decorum (at least as long as you avoid the news), we generally keep talk of "feet" to private corners of the internet, not live TV. But then, you just had to say it – but not before doing it, first in Bengaluru, then topping it in Pune. And then you talk about "staying where our feet are" to imply modesty and focus? Do you know where New Zealand feet have trod in the last week or so?  

Suzie Bates' feet should have been on a bus in Dubai, but instead, they couldn’t stop dancing back and forth on a red carpet, a T20 World Cup medal around her neck, and sheer joy lighting up her face.  

Peter Burling and Greg Dalton stood tall on a podium in Barcelona, lifting the America’s Cup, a 173-year-old yachting prize that New Zealand has now dominated, securing a third consecutive victory with a 2024 win. Their boat was even blessed by the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei tribe.  

Hayden Wilde raced across the gravel in Torremolinos, Spain, leading the World Triathlon Championship finale by a full minute, though Britain’s Alex Yee ultimately took the title across the three legs.  

All over the world, New Zealand athletes made headlines. But in India, they made history. It’s been over 4,300 days since a visiting side last won a Test series here. Many have tried – Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, AB de Villiers, Kane Williamson – with some successes, but no one has been able to sustain it.  

New Zealand's players celebrated their first-ever Test series win in India with a sense of joy and pride. The country has only won two Tests in India in over 60 years, yet they secured two in under two weeks. This achievement feels monumental, even compared to their celebrated victories over Australia. Here, they faced India at full strength, missing only one player of Hadlee’s stature, and still emerged triumphant.  

Mitchell Santner rose to the occasion when few expected him to, taking 13 of India’s 20 wickets. In one unforgettable series, he channeled New Zealand’s rich cricketing history.  

The Black Caps' achievement seems even greater than the 2021 World Test Championship win, as it came on unfamiliar grounds, facing the might of Indian conditions. They faced obstacles – an uncertain build-up, a captain rethinking his role, and top players sidelined far from home – but Latham and his team remained grounded, drawing strength from within.  

Tom Latham, in particular, displayed skill and finesse, timing his attacks on Ashwin to perfection and showing “subtle skills” reminiscent of a different era. Luck played a part, with the toss favoring New Zealand in unexpected ways. Yet, perhaps it was all destined, with the team and their feet set on a path to something even greater.