Surrey have strengthened their T20 squad with the signing of New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner for the majority of the Vitality Blast season. Santner will play in eight group-stage matches and, if Surrey qualify, the knockout rounds in September.
Last season, Surrey’s spin options were limited to Dan Lawrence, Cameron Steel, and Will Jacks. Santner’s arrival provides them with a seasoned frontline spinner, boasting over 200 T20 appearances. Despite reaching the semi-finals in the last two years, Surrey have not won the Vitality Blast since its debut season in 2003.
Santner, who recently became New Zealand’s white-ball captain, will join Surrey after the IPL, where he plays for Mumbai Indians. While he will miss the latter part of the group stage due to international duties, he should be available for the knockouts in September. Santner is also likely to return to the Hundred this year, after playing for Northern Superchargers last season.
“I’m really looking forward to connecting with the players and coaching staff at Surrey,” Santner said. “I’ve heard great things about the environment and have enjoyed playing at the Kia Oval previously. It’s exciting to share a dressing room with many of the squad members I’ve faced in international cricket.”
Mitchell Santner named New Zealand’s new white-ball captain.
Alec Stewart, Surrey’s high-performance cricket advisor, praised Santner’s experience, saying, “Mitch brings quality and skill to the side. He is a proven international cricketer who has built an excellent T20 skillset while playing globally.”
Santner will play alongside his New Zealand team-mate Nathan Smith at The Oval. Smith is set to feature in both the County Championship and the Blast from May through to the end of the season, around his New Zealand commitments.
