IND vs NZ 2nd Test: Throw up challenging batting conditions, and India would crumble. The weather in Bengaluru was overcast, and the hosts collapsed at a score of 46. On the other side, the Pune surface has been a haven for spinners, and guess what? Indian batters couldn’t contain the artistry of Mitchell Santner. India had horrors of 2017 when a certain Steve O’Keefe rattled the batting order to script a famous win for Australia. This second IND vs. NZ is going in a similar direction, as Santner came up with his career-best figures of 7/53 to gain New Zealand a 103-run lead after the first innings, a lead that is a gold dust on Pune’s surface.
Mitchell Santner single-handedly outclasses India
What a shocking day it was in Pune! New Zealand have absolutely dominated India in their own backyard, something we rarely get to see. The star of the show? Mitchell Santner—the same guy who struggled in Sri Lanka recently—but boy, did he find his mojo here!
The morning started with some hope for India, with Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal looking solid. But once Santner got into his rhythm, it all went downhill for the hosts. He was like a different bowler altogether—floating the ball beautifully, changing his pace cleverly, and making the Indian batters dance to his tune. He first trapped Gill in front, bowling it slowly how it should’ve been at this surface. The big moment came when Virat Kohli was cleaned up by a dipping full toss—you could feel the momentum shift right there.
What followed was something you’d typically see Indian spinners doing to visiting teams—a complete collapse. India folded for just 156. Ravindra Jadeja attempted to counter-attack with some aggressive shots down the ground, but his dismissal opened the floodgates once again. Glenn Phillips provided valuable support with two crucial wickets as India’s batters struggled against both the deteriorating pitch and their own shot selection. The hosts were eventually bundled with a trail of 103 runs.
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New Zealand spinners > Indian spinners
If that wasn’t enough, New Zealand’s batters came out swinging in their second innings. They’re already sitting pretty with a 300+ lead, and still have five wickets in hand! Tom Latham came out with a superb positive intent, taking his side’s score over 4 runs per over. Despite India opening with spin from both ends and Ashwin notably reducing his pace, the Kiwi batters showed excellent application, employing sweep shots and proper use of feet to maintain control.
The only bright spot for India was Washington Sundar, who kept plugging away and picked up four wickets. But honestly, it feels too little too late. Even Ashwin, usually the nightmare against visiting batters, didn’t look as threatening.
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India’s unbeaten home record is now seriously under threat. They need something miraculous tomorrow because right now, New Zealand is in the driver’s seat, cruising towards what could be a historic victory in India. Who would’ve thought we’d be saying this at the start of the series right after India mauled Bangladesh 2-0. India is facing a daunting challenge in Pune. The lead is substantial, the pitch is deteriorating, and New Zealand’s spinners are proving increasingly threatening. Unless India can produce a remarkable performance tomorrow, they may be on the verge of losing their undefeated streak of 18 consecutive series at home since 2012.
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