Virat Kohli Vs Mitch Santner: Why NZ Captain Could Be Huge Threat To India Great

Kohli vs Santner could decide outcome of IND Vs NZ [Source: AP Photo]

The stage is set for the epic clash between India and New Zealand as the two unbeaten teams from the group will collide against each other on Sunday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both the teams have reached the semi-finals, but the match could decide who finishes at the top in the group.

The Indian side have done well in the tournament so far and the credit should be given to their batters who have batted well in testing Dubai conditions. One of the key players for the team has been Virat Kohli, the stalwart of the side.

After failing Vs Bangladesh, Kohli came to life with a marvellous century against his favourite opponent, Pakistan. However, he will now face his toughest test against the street-smart Kiwi skipper, Mitchell Santner and this match-up could decide the fate of the contest.

Virat Kohli Vs Mitchell Santner: ODI record

Over the years, this has been an interesting battle which has often decided the outcome of a match. The two players have collided against each other since 2016, and while Kohli averages 60 against him, it is to be noted that he doesn't score quickly against Mitch Santner and only has a strike-rate of 69.5.

The Kiwi skipper is a smart bowler and he has often tightened the screws against Kohli as the India great hasn't found ways to score runs freely against him. Also, out of the 3 dismissals in ODIs, two of them came in 2023, suggesting that as of late, Kohli has struggled against left-arm spin.

Kohli's overall record against left-arm off-break (since 2023)

As the data suggests, Kohli has an abysmal record against left-arm off-break since 2023 and this would give Santner loads of confidence.

In 15 matches against off-break since 2023, Kohli has only scored 196 runs, and has been dismissed 6 times, which includes throwing wickets away Vs Santner and Dunith Wellalage of Sri Lanka.

Interestingly, he fails to score quick runs against them and has a strike-rate of 74, and an average of 32, showcasing his vulnerability against this type of bowling.

Conclusion

Kohli, despite his brilliance against pacers, has often struggled when spinners come on and this has been the case against Santner. The Kiwi bowler is street smart and varies his pace which puts Kohli in trouble.

His 10 overs would be the key, especially on a sluggish Dubai surface and Kohli will face his toughest test on Sunday Vs Mitch Santner. He really needs to score quick runs to put the pressure on the Black Caps skipper.

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