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They both bowl orthodox left-arm bowling. Each of them
bats left-handed. They both stand for the same IPL team. Throughout the World
Cup’s group stages, they both claimed 16 wickets. They will also participate in
the first semi-final this week in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.
If Ravindra Jadeja is New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner,
then Jadeja is India’s Santner as well. They have been excellent left-arm
spinners in this World Cup and play important roles in balancing their teams.
They will compete on Wednesday night with a spot in the championship at stake.
It is a battle that could determine the outcome.
Santner has spent half a decade as Jadeja’s understudy at Chennai Super Kings,
and jokes that he makes their art seem easier than it is. “I’ve obviously
seen how good he is,” Santner tells ESPNcricinfo with a wry smile.
“He makes things look pretty simple at times – which is annoying.”
Over the past five seasons, CSK has struggled to field
both of their left-arm spinners; Santner has only participated in 15 IPL games
and has grown used to serving drinks.
“I’ve been
lucky to be in the same set-up for a long time. I know my position; they know
my position. And if I get the chance, it’s just: ‘Do what Jaddu does.'”
Santner has typically taken a patient approach when
playing India. Six right-handers make up their top six; they have frequently
tried to take him off the pitch and score runs off of other bowlers. Santner
concluded with 1 for 37 in 10 overs in the countries’ group-stage encounter in
Dharamsala, which India won by four wickets. He also gave up one four and one
six.
His approach on Wednesday will be dictated by
conditions. “On a flat wicket, it might be more of a defensive role,
potentially getting wickets through pressure,” he explains. “If there
is a bit of spin, it might be about throwing it up there, trying to nick them
off.” With a fresh pitch expected, Santner may have to defend.
India is the overwhelming frontrunner, having won nine
straight matches and thumping all opponents in the group stages. The golden
generation of New Zealand, however, is not going to let the Mumbai occasion
intimidate them. Instead, they are focused on winning a trophy that would
cement the history of a team that has often advanced to the World Cup knockout
rounds.
“It’s been a good period for us: the guys are all
similar ages, we’ve played a lot of cricket together now and that especially
that bowling unit has been pretty secure for a while now. We know India are a
great side at home and it’s going to be tough. But we’ll rock up on Wednesday,
plan accordingly, do our thing, and see what happens.”