'Dad, I want to be a cricketer’: How Daryl Mitchell chose cricket over rugby | EXCLUSIVE

NEW DELHI: If Daryl Mitchell wasn’t representing the Black Caps, he might very well have been playing for the All Blacks. Instead of sending bowlers on leather hunts with his brutal hitting or executing sweeps and reverse sweeps against spinners, the experienced cricketer could have been taking on the role of a forward or back in rugby.

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The son of renowned rugby player and current England women’s rugby team coach John Mitchell, Daryl’s journey into cricket began almost by accident — but he quickly fell in love with the gentleman’s game.




John Mitchell never pressured his son, always encouraging Daryl to pursue whatever he loved. Having already made his mark in the rugby world, John played for the All Blacks, including the 1993 tour of Britain, where he featured in six uncapped matches, captained the side three times, and led his team to victories on each occasion.

After his playing career, John went on to coach the All Blacks, as well as teams in England, the USA, Japan, and beyond.

Inspired by his father’s sporting achievements, Daryl initially started out in rugby but was soon drawn to cricket. Today, he has carved out a significant place for himself in New Zealand cricket, establishing a legacy in the sport just as his father did in rugby.

"Daryl was obviously brought up around rugby because I played and coached it. As a youngster, he tried both rugby and football. Later, a development officer from Northern Districts approached me and asked if he could try turning my son into a batsman. I agreed. We even created backyard games — for example, a 12-ball challenge where he had to score 15 runs, with six balls bowled fast and six slow, and consequences for hitting sixes over the fence. Over time, Daryl embraced every challenge, loved the sport, and had fun. I never imagined these games would prepare him for where he is today. What he’s achieved is entirely the result of his own development and mindset," John Mitchell told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview.

"Before he played for school sides, Waikato under-15, and even Australian Country Schools, he made the first XV at Hale College in Perth. But he simply loved cricket more. He enjoyed rugby, yet he realised he might not have the speed to play at the highest level. Cricket offered him more opportunities and the individual challenges he thrives on. He has always taken his own decisions in his career—and, in fact, made the right ones!" the proud father added with a laugh.

'DAD, I WANT TO BE A CRICKETER'
John had been keeping a close eye on his son’s progress and noticed the natural inclination the right-hander had towards cricket.

He patiently waited for the moment when Daryl would come to him and share his aspirations — and that day arrived sooner than expected.

One fine day, a 15-year-old Daryl walked up and said, “Dad, I want to be a cricketer.”

John smiled and embraced his son. Though he had dominated the rugby world, he understood how cricket had found its way into Daryl’s life — thanks in large part to Daryl’s grandfather, John’s own father.

"We’ve always supported our children’s choices. I never wanted to be a dominant parent or interfere as a coach. I let him set his own goals, and whatever he chose, we were 100% behind him. That independence has likely played a big part in shaping the player he is today," John Mitchell said.

"A development officer first approached us about shaping him as a batsman. Later, another Northern Districts coach, Pat, also guided him. But the greatest influence was his late grandfather, who drove him to cricket, supported him, and filled in whenever I was away," he added.

Does Daryl’s rugby background help him on the cricket field?

"I’m not sure it directly helped, but in many ways, yes," John said.

"The foundations he observed — the preparation and mindset of world-class players—likely influenced him. Success doesn’t happen overnight; it comes through learning from wins and losses. Experiencing that early allowed him to master his craft. Physically, he’s a big guy, which helps, but more importantly, it’s his hard work and attitude that stand out," he added.

DARYL - THE MAN WHO HANDLES FAILURE WELL, ENJOY SUCCESS
Daryl donned the international jersey for the first time in 2019, at the age of 27, against India in Wellington. That same year, he made his Test debut against England in Hamilton, scoring a magnificent 73 on debut. However, the right-hander had to wait two more years to earn his ODI cap, which finally came in 2021 against Bangladesh in Dunedin.

Since then, Daryl has become a mainstay in the New Zealand cricket setup, featuring in 35 Tests, 59 ODIs, and 102 T20Is. He has grown into a dependable player, one whom his team can rely on whenever he is at the crease.

Whether it’s hitting towering sixes, finding gaps, demolishing the required run rate, or changing the course of a game with sweeps and reverse sweeps against the best spinners, Daryl has evolved into a batter that opposing teams plan meticulously against before even stepping onto the field. His ability to adapt to any conditions and deliver under pressure has made him a crucial asset for the Black Caps.

“It’s always a proud moment whenever I see him play for his country and contribute to victories. He’s mature, understands his role, and handles setbacks well. Daryl can play innovative shots, like reverse sweeps, and excels against spinners. Watching him perform for New Zealand is truly rewarding.

“The Black Caps have a small player base, but they achieve a lot. They have a good mix of youth and experience. Kane Williamson has set high standards, and Daryl, along with players like Santner, carries that forward. Playing in Asia now gives them exposure to varied conditions and builds confidence,” he said.

“One of the biggest qualities in him is how he balances life. No matter what, he makes time for his family. He trains hard, then spends quality time with his daughters, wife Amy, and close friends. He’s also taken up golf and maintains a personal training setup at home. That routine suits his lifestyle and keeps him energised,” the father signed off.


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