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Mitchell Santner's performance in the second Test between India and New Zealand in Pune stands as a testament to his skill and composure under pressure. Santner not only dismissed India's star batsman Virat Kohli twice in the match but also achieved the remarkable feat of taking two five-wicket hauls in a single Test on Indian soil, a feat previously achieved by Australia's Steve O'Keefe in 2017.
The first innings saw Santner claim Kohli's wicket, showcasing his ability to deceive the batsman with his deliveries. In the second innings, Santner repeated his success, once again sending Kohli back to the pavilion. This achievement marked Santner as the first left-arm spinner to dismiss Kohli in both innings of a Test match, highlighting his dominance over one of the game's most celebrated batsmen. However, Santner wasn't content with just dismissing Kohli; he went on to claim a total of five wickets in the second innings, bringing his match total to ten wickets. This remarkable performance solidified his status as the first New Zealand spinner to achieve this feat in a single Test match on Indian soil.
The impact of Santner's exceptional bowling was evident in India's struggles to chase down the challenging target set by New Zealand. His performance highlighted the vulnerabilities of the Indian batting lineup, particularly against spin bowling. With a significant lead, New Zealand has positioned themselves as the favorites to secure a series victory, leaving India in a precarious position. The match in Pune serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where individual performances can dramatically alter the course of a series. Santner's brilliance has undoubtedly left a lasting mark on this series, and his performance will be remembered as a defining moment in the contest between India and New Zealand.