Mitchell Santner’s spell on Day 2 of the Test against India at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium was nothing short of extraordinary. Right from his first over, it seemed as if Santner had something to prove. After contributing a solid 33 with the bat in New Zealand’s first innings, he seamlessly translated his confidence into his bowling, capturing a remarkable seven wickets out of India’s nine dismissals, leaving the Indian crowd stunned into silence.

What makes this feat even more impressive is Santner’s recent form leading up to this match. On the Sri Lanka tour, he had struggled, picking up just one wicket across 66.2 overs. But in Pune, Santner’s approach was different.

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Former Indian spinner Anil Kumble observed that Santner’s white-ball experience was key to his success, pointing out his mastery of angles, speed, and consistency. “It’s not just about turn, but the pace and variation. That control he’s honed in white-ball cricket served him well here,” Kumble noted during his commentary.

Santner’s performance not only secured his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket but also placed him among an elite list of New Zealand spinners. He became only the fifth Kiwi spinner to take a five-wicket haul in India, a challenging feat on subcontinental pitches that typically favour Indian batsmen. His fifth wicket, Ravindra Jadeja, happened to be India’s top scorer in an otherwise forgettable innings, further underscoring Santner’s impact.

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As India prepared for their second innings, all eyes remained on Santner. His control and strategic use of variations had the potential to shape the game’s outcome further. The question now is how much more he can add to his tally, as New Zealand seeks to capitalize on his exceptional performance and aim for a memorable win on Indian soil.