Mitchell Santner bowls in his contact lenses but bats in his glasses, a quirky trait that forms part of his cricketing identity. A mix of styles that culminates in a vision broader than the sum of its parts—a series-defining 13 for 157, in this case. This mirrors New Zealand's sporting ethos: a small nation with grand aspirations, still reeling from a week of extraordinary sporting achievements.
That weekend began with Team New Zealand's triumph in the America's Cup, followed by the first Test win in India led by Rachin Ravindra. The Silver Ferns then claimed the Constellation Cup from Australia's Diamonds, the Paddle Ferns won the Women's Canoe Polo World Cup, and Sophie Devine's New Zealand secured the T20 World Cup final against South Africa. Meanwhile, Auckland FC, New Zealand's first football team in the Australian premier league, won their debut match against Brisbane Roar, and Auckland-born Chris Wood continued his scoring streak for Nottingham Forest.
These seismic events prompted the government to comment: “Kiwis might be forgiven for yawning at work today,” said Sports Minister Chris Bishop, “after such a packed weekend of sporting excitement!”
But Santner's performance arguably topped them all. On the following Friday, a player who had never taken a first-class five-wicket haul, bowled New Zealand to victory in the second Test, securing the nation's first-ever series win in India. This marked India's first home series defeat since 2012, ending a 4,431-day reign.
Santner likely wasn't at the top of Rohit Sharma's list of bowlers to fear. He had never taken more than three wickets in a Test innings or six in a match. A white-ball specialist, he boasts over 200 one-day international and IT20 games, 222 wickets, and stints in various leagues. His 28-match Test career before Pune yielded 54 wickets.
No wonder his 29 overs in the second innings were taxing. But when it's your moment, you seize it—in a typically modest, New Zealand fashion. He varied his pace, targeted the stumps, and dismissed Virat Kohli with a full toss. He also got rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Kohli again.
“I've been in and out of Test cricket,” he said. “But to get conditions like this and perform was satisfying. Beating India at their own game was the most gratifying.” His captain, Tom Latham, praised his accuracy and historic contribution.
Like the White Ferns in the Women's World Cup, New Zealand entered India as underdogs, having just lost to Sri Lanka without Kane Williamson. But they thrive on being underestimated.
These cricketing victories are crucial for a sport striving to avoid the fate of rugby, where clubs struggle to attract young players. Santner's Test-best performance couldn't have come at a better time.
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