Indian Cricket Team backtracks on Pune ploy; explosive pitch plan prepared for Mumbai

As the Rohit Sharma-led Indian team prepares to avoid a whitewash against New Zealand, there will be intrigue on the surface for the third and final Test match. According to a report from The Times of India, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is unlikely to prepare a rank turner for the last Test.

The Indian team is experiencing a tough time during the three-match Test series against New Zealand. Rohit Sharma's side started the series with a loss in Bengaluru, followed by another one in Pune. It was India's first home Test series loss in 12 years and New Zealand's first-ever Test series win in India.

Team India has struggled against both seam bowling in Bengaluru and spin in Pune during the Test series. The third Test is set to be played at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, starting on November 1. The upcoming match is crucial for 12 points in the World Test Championship despite losing the series.

BCCI To Prepare A Sporting Track For Third Test vs New Zealand

According to TOI, the pitch for the upcoming third Test between India and New Zealand is expected to be a balanced wicket rather than a rank turner. The report added that the pitch will have some grass and it will also allow spinners to play a role with the ball from the second day of the upcoming Test match.

On Monday, BCCI's chief pitch curator Ashish Bhowmick and elite panel curator Taposh Chatterjee held a meeting with Wankhede curator Ramesh Mamunkar to review the pitch conditions. They emphasized the need for a balanced surface ahead of the third Test after India's recent loss in Pune.

"It will be a sporting track. Right now, there's a bit of grass on the pitch. It's expected to be good for batting on Day 1 but should offer turn to spinners from Day 2," a reliable source told TOI.

Team India's Record At Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai

The Indian team has had mixed results at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. They have played 26 Test matches and won 11. The hosts lost 7 and drew 8 matches. They last played a Test match at the iconic venue against New Zealand in December 2021, where the home team secured a convincing win.

India’s Test record at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai:

Top 5 Highest Individual Scores By Indian Batsmen at Wankhede Stadium in Test Cricket:

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