The mastermind behind Mitchell Santner’s dream spell and dismissal of Virat Kohli in Pune

Mitchell Santner wreaked havoc with the ball on the second day of the Pune Test, snaring seven wickets for 53 runs in a marathon 19.3 overs spell to almost put India out of the game. He targetted the stump line for most of his bowling and caught Indian batters short of technique and temperament.

He varied his pace brilliantly and got enough drift and dip to keep Indian batters guessing, even though they also played a few loose shots. Following the day’s conclusion, Santner attended the press conference where he talked about his plans and tactics during the innings.

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He revealed work with Rangana Herath has been paying dividends, for Santner has improved massively as a red-ball bowler since the Sri Lankan joined the Blackcaps dugout. Herath has been working with the Kiwis since the start of their Asia tour against Afghanistan last month.

“Rangana (Herath) has been really good. Obviously in Sri Lanka and here, he took wickets all over the place. I think he was a master of that change in pace and that guile. Working with him, not just me, as a spin bowling unit has been really good, especially in these conditions that we’re not too similar to. Over here it’s playing with the seam angle a little bit more and getting one to stay down or one to bounce up.”

The Rangana Herath influence in Virat Kohli’s dismissal

One of the most notable moments of the day was Virat Kohli getting out via a wild hoick across the line off a full toss against Mitchell Santner. The ball dipped on him as the ball went under his willow and crashed the stumps.

Santner revealed he was shocked Kohli missed a harmless full toss, adding he doesn’t often miss them. He said the change in pace had some Rangana Herath influence.

“I think I was in more of a shock getting Kohli out off the full toss. He doesn’t usually miss those. I think it was, 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. So, I think there was obviously a little bit there [of Herath’s influence] which was nice.”

Santner registered his maiden five-for and ended with his career-best figures to put New Zealand in a commanding position. The job is still half done; he will look to replicate the same and help Kiwis go in the record books by beating India in a Test series on their own turf.

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