Mitchell Santner reflects on his 13-wicket haul vs India in Pune Test -‘Felt a bit harder this time’

Mitchell Santner led New Zealand to their first Test series victory in India by sweeping the Indian batting lineup away in the second Test. In two innings, the left-arm spinner claimed 13 wickets, causing India to suffer their first home Test series defeat in twelve years. In the first innings, he took seven wickets, giving up 53 runs, and in the second innings, he took six, giving up 104 runs.

The bowler acknowledged that he felt better every time he took a wicket, and 7/53 became his career-best Test score. His selection of Virat Kohli in both innings and Rohit Sharma once, two of India’s top batsmen, was the high point of his stint. Additionally, he gave India credit for their valiant efforts and for creating tension for New Zealand in the interim.

felt a little more difficult this time. India deserves praise for the way they emerged. The best play on that wicket was arguably when we knew they were going to unleash some shots. Jaiswal [Yashasvi] performed incredibly well. Nevertheless, we were only trying to persevere, and ideally, one of them had their name on it.

In the end, it was a great sensation,” Mitchell Santner stated, according to.

Every time you take a wicket, you must feel a little more confident. Gaining a few wickets is always pleasant. The belief—the strange shift of tempo, the kind of landing the ball on the same area for a long time—is what we’re aiming for as a spin unit, he continued.

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New Zealand achieved their only fourth Test victory in India with this triumph. They have a 2-0 series lead and could possibly shatter India’s record of not losing a Test match since 2000. Starting on November 1, the two sides will square off in the series finale at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.