Mitchell Santner: The Part-Time Cricketer Who Led New Zealand to the Champions Trophy Final

Although Mitchell Santner is widely regarded as a "part-time cricketer," his contributions on the field tell a different story. He played an instrumental role in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 semi-final, leading the Kiwis to their first final since 2009—and his performance throughout the match proved that he may not always be in the middle of the action, but he remains a mainstay for the team.

Why Santner Is Called a Part-Time Cricketer

Despite being an integral member of New Zealand's white-ball side, Santner hasn't had much luck sticking in the team over Test cricket. With pace-dominant bowling attacks preferred by New Zealand, his chance in red-ball cricket has been limited. The constant shuffling in and out of the playing XI gave rise to the impression of him being a part-time player. In ODIs and T20Is, however, he has come up trumps with bat and ball on numerous occasions to prove his worth in crunch situations.

By profession, a cricketer, and by passion, a golfer.

Besides cricket, Santner gets so much time to spare while playing golf, which is a passion of his. Along with his teammate Kane Williamson, he finds that golf is the perfect way to unwind. His love for that sport has even got his fans joking that he's a "full-time golfer, part-time cricketer."

New Zealand's part-time cricketer led the Kiwis to their first-ever Champions Trophy final since 2009 😄#ChampionsTrophy2025 pic.twitter.com/8A3zeozbC7

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) March 5, 2025

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With New Zealand now in the final, Santner's contributions may well be the factor that turns them into first-team champions. Whether it be on the cricket field or the golf course, his demeanor and talent are what guarantee him to be a genuine game-changer.