Mitchell Josef Santner, born on 5 February 1992, has established himself as a pivotal figure in New Zealand's cricket team. Known for his versatility, Santner is a bowling all-rounder who bats left-handed and bowls slow left-arm orthodox spin.
Santner's journey to the international stage began after a promising 2014–15 domestic season with Northern Districts. He was named in the one-day squad for the tour of England in 2015, following the retirement of Daniel Vettori, and quickly made an impact with a well-crafted 94 against Somerset. His One Day International debut came on 9 June 2015 at Edgbaston, where he also claimed his first international wicket by trapping Sam Billings for 3.
International Career Highlights
Santner's international career has been marked by several notable achievements. He made his Twenty20 International debut on 23 June 2015 and his Test debut on 27 November 2015, becoming the first player to make his Test debut in a day/night Test match. In the 2016 World Twenty20, Santner was instrumental in New Zealand's victory against India, earning the Man of the Match award for his impressive bowling figures of 4 for 11, which remain the best bowling figures by a New Zealand spinner in the World Twenty20.
In November 2019, Santner scored his maiden Test century against England at Bay Oval, contributing to a 261-run partnership with BJ Watling, the highest ever 7th wicket partnership for New Zealand in Test cricket. He also took 3 wickets in the second innings, marking a significant return of wickets to New Zealand spinners on home soil.
Recent Achievements and Captaincy
In recent years, Santner has continued to excel. He was part of the New Zealand squad for the 2021 ICC Men's T20 World Cup and was bought by the Chennai Super Kings for the 2022 Indian Premier League. Following the IPL, he joined the Texas Super Kings for the inaugural season of Major League Cricket in 2023. Notably, in the group stage of the 2023 World Cup against the Netherlands, Santner achieved a five-wicket haul, the first by a New Zealand spinner in a World Cup match.
In February 2024, Santner was named captain for the T20 international series against Australia, with Tim Southee available only for the first game. He has also been included in New Zealand’s squad for the 2024 ICC Men's T20 World Cup tournament.
Personal Life
Off the field, Mitchell Santner is engaged to Caitlin Dodunski, an ecologist who is passionate about fostering awareness and comprehension of environmental issues. The couple announced their engagement through an Instagram post. While Caitlin prefers to keep her life private, she is often seen accompanying Mitchell at various cricket events.
