Mitchell Santner’s career-best performance, claiming 7 wickets for just 53 runs, dramatically shifted the second Test in New Zealand’s favor against India. On a low, slow pitch in Pune, his spin mastery handed New Zealand a 103-run first-innings lead, which they extended to 301 runs by the end of the day’s play. Among his prized wickets was Indian captain Virat Kohli, whom Santner dismissed with an unexpected full toss. Reflecting on that key moment, Santner shared, “I was in more of a shock getting Kohli out off the full toss. He doesn’t usually miss those.”
Mastering the Pace and Surprising the Batsmen
Santner explained his tactic of varying the pace, which ultimately proved crucial on the slow surface. “It was slightly slower through the air. I just tried to change it up a little bit, but usually, if you bowl those, they go for six,” he admitted. Recognizing that the surface required precision, he mixed speeds and aimed for unpredictable deliveries. “There was obviously a little bit there which was nice, and the change of pace was key today,” he added. Santner’s bowling changes not only secured wickets but also placed India on the back foot.
New Zealand Looks to Extend Lead
Although New Zealand held a significant lead, Santner emphasized the need for more runs with three days still to play. “I think India will probably come out more aggressive and try to put us on the back foot. There’s still a job to do with the bat,” he noted. Santner acknowledged that batting with intent could ease the task for New Zealand’s bowlers later in the match. Additionally, he highlighted New Zealand’s approach to the Indian conditions, explaining, “We know how challenging it can be in these conditions. We’ve seen India squeeze a lot of teams for a long time.” By focusing on taking the offensive stance with the bat and bowling strategically, Santner and his teammates aimed to maintain their advantage in a challenging environment.
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