Santner ends Indian streak by showing his magic of 13 wickets and making history of India losing at their own home ground for the first time since 2012

Mitchell Santner's 13-wicket haul led New Zealand to a historic series victory over India, handing the hosts their first home series defeat since 2012. With wins in Bengaluru and Pune, New Zealand celebrated their first-ever Test series win in India.

New Zealand posted scores of 259 (Conway 76, Ravindra 65, Washington 7-59, Ashwin 3-64) and 255 (Latham 86, Phillips 48*, Washington 4-56, Jadeja 3-72), while India managed only 156 (Jadeja 38, Santner 7-53, Phillips 2-26) and 245 (Jaiswal 77, Jadeja 42, Santner 6-104), giving New Zealand a 113-run victory in Pune. Santner, whose previous best figures had never exceeded three wickets in an innings or six in a match, delivered an impressive 13 for 157 in the match—the third-best performance by a visiting bowler in India.

Despite nursing a sore side, Santner bowled relentless spells, missing only one over since beginning in the first innings. He dismissed Indian batters with his precise variations in dip, pace, and angle, even as India attempted a bold chase of 359, led by a brisk 77 off 65 balls from Yashasvi Jaiswal. Santner's persistence proved crucial as Ajaz Patel struggled and Glenn Phillips was inconsistent. 

On the final day, Santner broke India's momentum after Jaiswal's explosive start by dismissing Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, limiting India's chances. He then took the pivotal wicket of Jaiswal with a perfect delivery that combined turn and placement, bringing up his maiden ten-wicket match haul. Pant's run-out and further dismissals of Kohli and Sarfaraz by Santner halted India’s chase, while Phillips took a catch at short leg to remove Washington Sundar, India’s top performer with the ball.

India showed resilience through Ashwin and Jadeja, who added 39 for the eighth wicket, but Santner returned to break the partnership, dismissing Ashwin. Ajaz later claimed the final wicket, leaving Santner to celebrate New Zealand's unprecedented series victory.