Mitchell Santner Readies for T20 World Cup Semifinal After Tense Qualification

After a tense wait, they have entered the T20 World Cup semifinals, but now that New Zealand has reached there, Mitchell Santner will refresh himself, and the rest of his team will follow his lead.

He is always calm, which is why he is called 'Flatline' (one who remains unruffled or unagitated). Only towards the end of New Zealand's innings, when a ball hit off his own bat flew for a six, did Mitchell Santner's heartbeat seem to overcome his calm demeanor, and he appeared slightly agitated. He was still annoyed that he couldn't strike it faster and straighter.

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There was another moment in that match against England that tested his calm nature. The equation for the runs he needed to defend had reduced from 43 runs off 18 balls to 14 runs off 9 balls. 

Santner had just watched Will Jacks take two runs off the same shot played to long-off. When the second throw came, he collected the ball at the bowling end and hit the stumps with such force. The New Zealand captain was on the verge of losing his temper.

It was a cold day in November six years ago when Santner first experienced the dual nature of leading his country. The advantage was that he was the decision-maker, able to start the bowling by holding the ball and teasing the fast bowlers. The disadvantage was the constant feeling that things beyond his control would always happen. Like the weather. In that T20 International against the West Indies, not even three overs could be played.

He faced it by taking comfort in the way Brendon McCullum had established a style of play and the fact that as long as he stuck to it, any result could be accepted. The rest of his team quickly followed suit. 

Kane Williamson believed in being aware and adapting to the situation. When he had the support of his players, New Zealand developed an almost supernatural ability to understand the situation and exploit it better than the opposition.

What characterized these two individuals was their success in making others believe in what they believed in. In the game against England, fielder Lockie Ferguson, who was constantly running at long-off, tried to offer an explanation, but when he saw the expression on Santner's face, he decided it was best to remain silent.

There are ten bowlers in the history of T20 Internationals who have bowled more than 400 overs. It can be said that their teams trust them either to damage the opposition or to stop runs.

When these bowlers are ranked based on economy rate (rate of conceding runs), Rashid Khan tops the list. Right behind him are four other wrist-spinners, highlighting how useful it is to turn the ball both ways. Santner turns the ball only one way, and he is third on that list. 

He is fourth on another list. Between this T20 World Cup and the previous one, Santner's batting strike rate has been 155.3, which is perhaps normal for the number 7 or 8 position he plays, but it shows a significant increase in his batting capability.

Santner has always possessed the art of excellent timing. A week after his international debut, he scored 44 runs off 19 balls, including 3 fours and 4 sixes, in an ODI against England in Nottingham. 

If innings lasting two balls or less are excluded, it took him ten years to match that strike rate. But then it only took 17 days to do it again. And then again. Although he didn't reach that height in Colombo, his innings of 47 runs off 26 balls against Sri Lanka is arguably Santner's best innings to date. When he walked onto the field, New Zealand was in danger of being knocked out of the World Cup.

New Zealand is very cautious about utilizing the talent it possesses. Since McCullum was made captain during a very turbulent time, they have always tried to smoothly transition to successors. 

Williamson benefited from that and proved his capability. It can be said that Santner has performed even better than his potential.

He grew up looking up to Daniel Vettori as his idol and is now one of the most economical spinners in T20 Internationals. Recently, he has also found a way to contribute with his batting, which is why New Zealand has reached the World Cup semifinals despite lacking a top-tier finisher. 

James Neesham is on the bench and will likely return to the playing XI for the match at Eden Gardens, but in the only match he batted in this tournament, he came in after Santner.

Captaincy in cricket is often spoken about in a very mystical way, as if the best captains move in harmony not just with the game but with the entire universe. 

But there are also those who believe that doing the job well means first fulfilling one's primary responsibilities well. For example: scoring runs. Taking wickets. Giving 100% on the field. Mainly, leading by example and pulling the entire team along. Otherwise, they too will face the same stern look.

Santner was probably not even angry with Ferguson about his fielding. He might have been thinking about his own decision to select bowler Glenn Phillips in the previous over, which conceded 22 runs and changed the entire course of the game. 

In the post-match press conference, he admitted to being nervous because New Zealand had to rely on some favorable results from Sri Lanka to reach the knockout stage. 

Now that they are in the semifinals, Santner will reset himself, and signaling clearly what a good leader is, the rest of his team will follow his lead.