Santner Highlights Bumrah’s Pivotal Role in India’s New Zealand Test Campaign

CHENNAI: The path to the World Test Championship (WTC) final is becoming increasingly arduous for India, as every upcoming series carries heightened stakes. This challenge is amplified by their recent inability to secure a victory in the final Test against Sri Lanka.

India’s next assignment involves a two-Test tour of New Zealand, a venue where they have not tasted success in over fifteen years. Mitchell Santner, New Zealand’s premier left-arm spinner and captain of the Edinburgh Castle Rockers in the current European T20 Premier League (ETPL), discussed with TOI in an exclusive interview how India’s pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, will heavily dictate the series’ outcome. Excerpts follow…

How crucial will it be for India to adapt to conditions given only a few players from the current set-up have played Tests in NZ?

The primary objective is to acclimate to the conditions as swiftly as possible. While some players have prior experience and have performed well, the pitches in October-November behave differently than they do in February-March. Consequently, early in the New Zealand season, the ball may exhibit more movement. It is simply a matter of getting accustomed to it.

What’s your take on India’s pace attack?

With Bumrah at the helm, possessing the ability to nip and swing the ball, he will be the determining factor. Mohammed Siraj has consistently delivered similar performances for years, and Prasidh Krishna is obviously bowling exceptionally well. The sheer variety in the attack is exactly what is required.

Did you have a look at Manav Suthar?

He has been remarkably impressive since his debut. He pitches the ball up nicely and gets substantial shape on the ball. When required, he also delivers good overspin, which is crucial in New Zealand to extract some bounce, particularly if the pitch has grass. I believe there remains a role for a spinner in New Zealand Tests, alongside the quicks, whether in the first or second innings when the pitch might be holding up. By the fourth and fifth days, the surface could begin to spin. Whether it is Jadeja or Suthar, both present excellent options.

What do you think about India’s struggles in Test cricket recently?

It has always been a challenge for them. They consistently face the best teams in the world, and the necessity to adapt to unfamiliar conditions rapidly remains the primary hurdle. However, they have the resources and skill to cover all bases.

How important is ETPL for the European players, who don’t always get to play a lot of top-quality cricket?

The tournament is ideal for Scottish, Irish, and Dutch players. It provides them with vital exposure and the opportunity to compete against high-caliber cricketers. We have seen their quality in their own right. To be honest, in recent years, matches involving Ireland, Scotland, and the Netherlands have been highly competitive. Introducing a few overseas players makes the ETPL a truly formidable tournament.

There is some great cricket on show already, which is good. And we are only halfway through.

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