In a stunning display of left-arm spin bowling, Mitchell Santner led New Zealand to a historic first-ever Test series victory on Indian soil. The Black Caps triumphed by 113 runs in the second Test in Pune, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and ending India’s streak of 18 successive home series wins that stretched all the way back to 2012.
Santner’s Spin Mastery
It was a career-defining performance from the 27-year-old Santner, who picked up an extraordinary 13 wickets in the match. His 6 for 104 in the second innings, to go with his first innings haul of 7 for 53, spun a web around the vaunted Indian batting lineup on a pitch that offered generous turn and bounce.
“It was pretty special to be able to do it here in India, it’s one of the toughest places to come and play,” Santner said after the match. “The way the boys played throughout this series has been exceptional.”
India’s Home Dominance Ends
For India, it was a bitter pill to swallow. They had not lost a Test series at home since England triumphed 2-1 in 2012, reeling off victories against every major cricket nation in the intervening years. But against a determined and disciplined New Zealand side, their batsmen had no answers, especially to the guile and variations of Santner.
According to a close source within the Indian camp, the mood was somber after the defeat. “We pride ourselves on our home record, so to lose a series like this is very disappointing,” the source said. “Full credit to New Zealand though, they outplayed us in every department.”
Turning Point
The pivotal moment came on the fourth morning, when Santner ripped through the Indian middle order. In a spell of mesmerizing spin bowling, he dismissed Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane in quick succession, leaving India reeling at 94 for 5 chasing an improbable 368 for victory.
“Those wickets before lunch really set us up,” Santner reflected. “When you get top players like Pujara and Kohli out, it gives the whole team a lift.”
Despite valiant resistance from all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who struck a defiant 58, India crumbled after lunch, losing their last 5 wickets for just 39 runs. Fittingly, it was Santner who claimed the final scalp, trapping Jasprit Bumrah lbw to spark scenes of jubilation among the New Zealand players and support staff.
New Zealand’s Depth Shines
The victory was built on a superb all-round team performance from the Black Caps. In addition to Santner’s heroics, pace bowlers Tim Southee and Colin de Grandhomme chipped in with crucial contributions, while Henry Nicholls (90) and skipper Kane Williamson (74) were the standouts with the bat.
It showcased the depth and quality that New Zealand possess in their ranks, a point not lost on Williamson after their triumph. “This is a special win, one that was earned by every member of our squad,” he said. “It highlights the belief and camaraderie we have as a group.”
Way Forward
For New Zealand, it marks a major milestone, one that cements their status as a rising force in world cricket. Having reached the final of the inaugural World Test Championship earlier this year, they have now proven they can win in even the most challenging of conditions.
India, meanwhile, will be forced to regroup quickly. With the final Test in Bengaluru now a dead rubber, they will be playing for pride, determined to avoid the ignominy of a 3-0 series whitewash at home.
But for now, the cricketing world will be marveling at the exploits of Mitchell Santner and a famous New Zealand victory. In the storied history of Black Caps cricket, this Indian conquest will go down as one of their finest ever achievements.
