Mitchell Santner’s stunning performance left cricket fans around the globe in awe, as the New Zealand left-arm spinner delivered a spectacular comeback in the Test match against India in Pune. Santner’s amazing figures of 7/53 in the first innings not only ensured a substantial lead for New Zealand but also marked a fairytale return to form. After his absence from the Bengaluru Test, he returned with an impressive spectacle of skill and strategy.
Reflecting on his memorable performance, Santner admitted he was surprised by one particular moment on that gripping day. “I think I was in more of a shock getting Kohli out off the full toss. He doesn’t usually miss those,” Santner confessed, acknowledging the rarity of Virat Kohli succumbing to such a delivery. Yet, for Santner, it was just one of those days when every move turned into a stroke of brilliance.
In his post-match commentary, Santner shared how his bowling strategy came together. “I think it was one of those days where I just got the wickets,” he remarked, seamlessly integrating his thoughts from past lessons, saying, “In Sri Lanka, I thought I bowled pretty well at times.” Despite not claiming many wickets in Sri Lanka, with figures of 1/197, his technique was sharpening, and Santner had relied heavily on teamwork.
“We speak about bowling and partnerships a lot,” he added, emphasizing the team-driven effort in their bowling approach. “If we can kind of build from both ends, one guy will get the wickets, and one guy will do more of a holding role.” This philosophy underpinned their bowling in Sri Lanka, where Santner took on more of a holding role, allowing teammates like Ajaz Patel to take the wickets from the other end.
The wicket in Pune presented Santner with a canvas of opportunity. He expertly manipulated angles and pace variations, assisted by the strategic insights of spin bowling consultant Rangana Herath. Santner was quick to acknowledge Herath’s influence, noting how even subtle variations, like the one that removed Kohli, played a crucial role. “I think it was slightly slower through the air,” he said.
. “I just tried to change it up a little bit but usually, if you bowl those, they go for six,” Santner detailed, marveling at the outcome.
His measured pace, with an average speed of 82.7kph, was noticeably less than both teams’ average speeds for the first innings. Yet, it was this variability that kept the Indian batsmen guessing throughout the day. “I guess when it’s spinning at a fast pace, you can kind of stick to that,” Santner explained on the evolution of his delivery strategy. What drew applause was his finesse in adjusting to the pitch’s quirks, leveraging changes in pace and using the crease to his advantage.
“We’ve watched guys like Jaddu [Ravindra Jadeja] and Ashwin do that for years over here and make it very challenging to play,” said Santner, acknowledging the Indian spin maestros as a source of learning. It was their methodology of sticking to accuracy, letting the pitch create challenges, that Santner employed. With subtle changes and a consistent landing spot, the spinner recreated that magic in Pune.
Maintaining “stump-to-stump” deliveries was central to his approach, said Santner, realizing that varying bounce might tempt batsmen into errors, resulting in LBWs or bowled dismissals. With the second innings approaching, he hoped to enforce similar pressure, knowing the Indian team might adopt a more aggressive stance. “I think, India will probably come out maybe more aggressive and try and put us on the back foot,” he anticipated.
While keenly aware of the balance between bat and ball, Santner stressed the importance of runs. “Obviously, the more runs we get now, it makes our job with the ball a little easier,” he highlighted, pointing out the dual nature of achieving current objectives while setting the stage for future play.
Mitchell Santner’s enchanting spell in Pune remains a testament to his strategic acumen and adaptability. In cricket, where skill and strategy intersect, Santner’s performance not only marked a significant day for New Zealand cricket but reaffirmed the rewarding nature of persistence and teamwork.