4 visiting bowlers who took five wickets in each innings vs India ft. Mitchell Santner
India's remarkable 12-year streak of home dominance in Test cricket was shattered as New Zealand clinched a historic 113-run victory in Pune. This defeat marked their first bilateral Test series loss at home after an 18-series unbeaten run, an achievement that has long stood as one of the most formidable in cricket.
New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner spearheaded this stunning victory, delivering an unforgettable performance. He picked up a five-wicket haul in both innings of the game and recorded his name in an elite list.
Visiting bowlers have found it tough bowling and dominating against Indian batters in these conditions. However, there have been four bowlers, now including Santner, who have achieved the feat of taking five wickets in each innings of a Test against India in India.
4 visiting bowlers who took five wickets in each innings vs India
#4 Mitchell Santer (IND vs NZ 2024)
In one of the most memorable Test victories on Indian soil for a visiting team, Mitchell Santner’s left-arm spin decimated India, propelling New Zealand to a remarkable 113-run victory in Pune. This triumph was significant, as it ended India’s 12-year unbeaten streak in home Test series. Santner’s career-best figures of 13/157 proved too much for India’s formidable batting line-up.
In India’s first innings, Santner claimed a stunning 7/53, dismantling the top order by dismissing Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli early on. This dominant spell forced India to collapse to 156 all out, giving New Zealand a lead of 103 runs.
Santner continued his dominance in the second innings, picking up 6/104 to seal New Zealand’s victory. He secured key breakthroughs to bowl the hosts out for 245, completing a sensational win for New Zealand.
#3 Steve O'Keefe (IND vs AUS 2017)
In the first Test of the 2017 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Pune, Australia’s Steve O'Keefe delivered one of the most effective bowling performances against India on their home turf, guiding Australia to a commanding 333-run victory.
O'Keefe’s figures of 6/35 in each innings (12 wickets in total) left the Indian batters baffled. His precision and patience paid off as he broke partnerships just when India looked to steady the innings.
In the first innings, O'Keefe dismissed key players like KL Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane, crippling India’s middle order, and preventing them from building any momentum. The second innings saw a similar pattern, with O'Keefe striking at regular intervals and ensuring that no Indian batter, including Virat Kohli, could settle at the crease. His relentless pressure and accurate spin bowling restricted the hosts, handing Australia a much-needed win and a lead in the series.
#2 Saqlain Mushtaq (IND vs PAK 1999)
The 1999 Chennai Test match is remembered for its thrilling finish, with Saqlain Mushtaq’s off-spin leading Pakistan to a 12-run victory in a game that went down to the wire. Saqlain’s match figures of 10 wickets (5/94 in the first innings and 5/93 in the second) were crucial, especially as they included the prized scalp of Sachin Tendulkar twice.
In the first innings, Saqlain's dismissals of Rahul Dravid and Tendulkar ensured Pakistan restricted the hosts.
The second innings was even more tense, with Tendulkar fighting single-handedly for India as he scored a resilient 136. However, Saqlain dismissed Tendulkar, shattering India’s hopes. His skillful variations and resilience in this high-pressure situation made all the difference, as Pakistan clinched the win by the narrowest of margins, marking an iconic Test victory on Indian soil.
#1 Ian Botham (IND vs ENG 1980)
England’s all-rounder Ian Botham produced an unforgettable performance at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 1980, leading England to a 10-wicket win over India. Botham’s all-round brilliance in the match, particularly his devastating bowling spells, was the key to England’s success.
He took 6/58 in the first innings, removing big names like Sunil Gavaskar, Sandeep Patil, Yashpal Sharma, and Kapil Dev.
In the second innings, Botham continued his dominance, taking 7/48, dismissing Gavaskar, Roger Binny, and Gundappa Vishwanath among others. England went on to win the game with ease.