"He doesn't usually miss those" - Mitchell Santner 'shocked' to dismiss Virat Kohli off full toss on Day 2 of IND vs NZ 2024 2nd Test
New Zealand spin-bowling all-rounder Mitchell Santner has acknowledged that Virat Kohli hardly misses a full toss at any level and expressed his shock to get the Indian legend's wicket on Day 2 of the Pune Test. The 32-year-old suggested that all he expected of the ball was to go for a six.
Kohli turned out to be Santner's second wicket of the day as the former Indian captain missed a full toss and the ball crashed onto the stumps. The 35-year-old stood at the crease in disbelief, moments after being castled before walking back for one off nine deliveries.
Speaking at a post-match press conference, here's what the Hamilton-born cricketer said, as quoted by PTI:
"I was in more of a shock getting Kohli out off the full toss. He doesn't usually miss those. 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. There was obviously a little bit there which was nice and the change of pace was key today."
The southpaw registered his best figures of 19.3-1-53-7, dismissing Kohli, Shubman Gill, Sarfaraz Khan, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Akash Deep, and Jasprit Bumrah. It helped New Zealand eke out a 103-run lead after their first-innings total of 259.
"We've seen India squeeze a lot of teams for a long time" - Mitchell Santner
Santner also praised the efforts of the Black Caps' batters for showing excellent intent and for approaching things differently than the previous tours. He added:
"We know how challenging it can be in these conditions. We've seen India squeeze a lot of teams for a long time. What was pleasing with the bat was (to see) guys trying to fire some shots and play some sweeps and take on the bowlers.
"In the past we've come here and just tried to block it out and eventually one (delivery) has got your name on it. We spoke about that, trying to fire the first shot or just have a little bit more intent and see what happens."
The day finished with the Kiwis leading by 301 runs, with Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillps at the crease.