Report Reveals Team India’s Unexpected Mumbai Pitch Demand
After losing the first two matches of the series against New Zealand, Team India is looking to make a strong comeback in the third and final Test at Wankhede Stadium. According to reports, the Indian team has requested a “rank turner” pitch to aid their spinners from the very first day of the match, which starts on November 1.
Originally, a more balanced pitch was expected, offering less assistance to spinners than the surface in Pune. However, dissatisfaction from the Indian team management about the nature of the Wankhede pitch led to this change. They have asked the pitch curator to ensure the surface provides significant turn, as part of a strategy to exploit India’s spin strength.
As per report highlighted that the team management, looking to rebound after two defeats, requested a pitch that would suit their spinners right from the opening day. This decision is seen as a return to India’s traditional home advantage formula.
Interestingly, New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner has already proved to be a significant threat to India’s batsmen, taking 13 wickets in the series so far. Despite this, India is banking on their own spinners to turn things around at Wankhede.