When cricket fans talk about spinners, the majority of the ones who have mastered the art of it come from the sub-continent region. However, Mitchell Santner and Daniel Vettori – two of New Zealand’s greatest spin-bowling all-rounder of all time – have shown the world that one can reach the sky if the hunger and discipline remain intact.
Interestingly, Santner and Vettori are identical spinners from the same country, though from different decades. Just to give a context about their influence, both Daniel Vettori and Mitchell Santner share the top three highest wicket-takers in ODI World Cup editions among New Zealand spinners (Vettori 16 wickets in World Cup 2007, Santner 16 wickets in World Cup 2023 and Vettori 15 wickets in World Cup 2015).
For the starters, highlighting how consistent both Vettori and Santner are with line and length, neither of them has an economy rate of over six runs an over against any single opponent or in any single country or region.
In fact, there might be no one who can be as identical on the field as Santner and Vettori, as they both wear spectacles as well.
Vettori vs Santner - Overall ODI Stats
At 34, in the peak of his powers, Santner still has a good number of years to improve his numbers further. Still, if one compares their current statistics, Vettori is slightly ahead of Santner overall, even though his batting stats are not as good as Santner's.
Of course, the approach of batters in ODI cricket has changed rapidly lately, and hence stats don’t tell the full story of Vettori and Santner’s calibre. Yet, Santner has been doing wonders against ultra-aggressive batting approaches more often than not, and there is still plenty of time to take the throne from Vettori.
Therefore, Vettori 1, Santner 0.
Vettori vs Santner - Who Is Better In Away Conditions?
Away
Mitchell Santner
Daniel Vettori
Innings
45
85
Wickets
52
96
Average
36.76
32.25
Economy
4.84
4.23
Overall, Vettori has once again got the numbers in his favour. In fact, his record in Asia was equally impressive, with 41 wickets in 35 matches. However, Santner is ahead of Vettori when it comes to playing in India.
While Santner has 25 ODI wickets in 21 matches in India, Vettori had 20 scalps in 22 outings.
Keeping in mind that performance in India matters a lot when it comes to performing in the subcontinent region, Santner has now got a nod ahead of Vettori.
The scoreboard now: Vettori 1, Santner 1.
Vettori vs Santner - Who Is Better New Zealand Captain?
Vettori’s full-time captaincy across formats began in September 2007. Santner, on the other hand, is yet to be their leader in Tests, as his T20I leadership assignment commenced in 2021 and his ODI leadership duties started a year later.
As a captain, Vettori was more distinguished than Santner (so far). With Vettori’s number reading 95 wickets in 77 matches, averaging 26.63 while maintaining an economy rate of 3.81, Santner still has a lot to improve (26 wickets in 21 matches, @ 31.42, economy rate 4.62) to reach that.
However, given the form Santner is in and New Zealand have been in the format (2nd in ICC ODI rankings), don’t be surprised if things move quickly in his favour under his tenure.
Still, as things stand, Vettori 2, Santner 1.
Final Verdict
Let’s not forget the fact that the era of Daniel Vettori, who came out of nowhere when the Kiwis were struggling to get a quality spin bowler. Santner, on the other hand, came in the era of Ish Sodhi and Michael Bracewell; hence, Vettori, anyway, is miles away from Santner in terms of pedigree for the side.
Therefore, the ODI battle is now won by Vettori, but Santner can have the last laugh if he continues to deliver with momentum alongside him.
Daniel Vettori & Mitchell Santner (Source: AFP)
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