October 26, 2024: Mitchell Santner’s exceptional performance in Pune was instrumental in New Zealand’s historic 113-run victory over India, securing the Kiwis their first-ever Test series win on Indian soil.
His remarkable haul of 13 wickets across both innings not only earned him the Player of the Match award but also marked a significant milestone, making him the first New Zealand spinner to achieve five-wicket hauls in each innings of a Test match against India.
In the post-match presentation, when asked if he changed his bowling approach in the second innings, Santner modestly replied, “Not really.” He acknowledged the challenges presented by the Indian batting lineup and credited their aggressive approach on the pitch, stating, “It felt a little harder this time… We were just hanging in there.”
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Despite the physical toll of bowling long spells—remarking that his side was a bit sore after delivering 20-odd overs in a row—Santner’s determination and resilience shone through. “In that kind of situation, you just want to keep going. Every wicket felt a little better,” he added, emphasizing the mental and physical aspects of the game.
Santner’s disciplined bowling was particularly effective on a spin-friendly Pune pitch. Recalled to the lineup in place of pacer Matt Henry, his selection proved to be a masterstroke. In India’s first innings, he wreaked havoc with stunning figures of 7 for 53, helping dismiss the hosts for just 156 runs in response to New Zealand’s 259. His second-innings spell, where he claimed 6 for 104, ultimately sealed India’s fate as they fell for 245 runs.
Santner attributed his success to consistency and subtle variations in his deliveries, explaining, “Landing the ball in the same spot with slight changes in pace—that’s what we aim for as a spin unit.” His meticulous approach and ability to adapt were crucial in dismantling the Indian batting lineup.
Winning a series in India is a rare achievement for visiting teams, and Santner expressed immense pride in his key role. “Winning a series here is very tough. It’s obviously very pleasing for us,” he said. Each wicket he took throughout the match boosted his confidence, underscoring the significance of this victory for both him and the New Zealand team.
