India’s pitch plans leaked; Batting paradise vs West Indies, deadly turners vs South Africa

India, led by Shubman Gill, are currently preparing for the two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting on Thursday, October 2, in Ahmedabad. According to reports, the Indian team management wants pitches that offer consistent bounce rather than rank turners for the start of the home Test season.

India had suffered a 0-3 home series defeat against New Zealand last year on turning pitches, which denied them a spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final since its inception. However, the Men in Blue began the new WTC cycle with a 2-2 drawn series in England under Shubman Gill’s captaincy.

India Want To Play on Sporting Pitches Against the West Indies

According to the Times of India, India’s team management wants pitches that remain consistent throughout the match rather than rank turners. Curators have been instructed to prepare sporting surfaces with predictable bounce and minimal early turn.

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“It has been communicated to the curators that the team wants to play on sporting pitches that won’t have overtly variable bounce and turn from Day One. One can expect the matches to go on till the fourth day during the West Indies series,” a BCCI source told TOI.

India could use one of the greenest home pitches in recent years for the first Test against the West Indies at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The match will be played on a red-soil strip, where the grass cover ensures excellent bounce and carry for the bowlers.

Rishabh Pant’s Absence Affects India Against West Indies

India will face the West Indies in the next Test at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi from October 10. The venue is known for its consistent bounce and high-scoring white-ball contests over the past two years.

Notably, the series is expected to give Indian batters ample time at the crease, serving as preparation for the upcoming series against South Africa.

Rishabh Pant, who is India’s best batter on turning tracks, is unavailable for the upcoming series. The management wants to allow the middle order to settle and gain confidence.

India have included seam-bowling all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy for the series. It is worth mentioning that the Men in Blue rarely pick a seam-bowling all-rounder for home Tests, considering the turning tracks.

India Want Rank Turners Against South Africa

India will host South Africa for two Tests in November, with matches set to be played in Guwahati and Kolkata. The report added that team management is expected to prepare turning tracks to exploit South Africa’s known struggles against spin while also factoring in the impact of their own pace attack.

Guwahati will host its first-ever Test, so it remains to be seen how the pitch responds to these requests. The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is renowned for consistent bounce and seam-friendly conditions.

South Africa will field world-class spinner Keshav Maharaj. India’s struggles against quality spinners like Mitchell Santner, Ajaz Patel, and Glenn Phillips last year highlight the need for strategic planning. With a view to securing a WTC final berth, the Indian management wants to avoid losing at home.

Also read: Not Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma! Shubman Gill called Steve Smith, two other legends for help before the England tour