Indian pitches have a reputation for favoring spin bowlers, often posing a significant challenge even for domestic batsmen, who typically excel against such conditions. Addressing this, skipper Shubman Gill, who is set to lead India in a home Test series for the first time, expressed a desire for more equitable playing surfaces.
Speaking on Wednesday, October 1, ahead of the first Test against West Indies at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, Gill stated, “While I can’t comment on previous discussions, our aim is to play on wickets that offer fair opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers.” He acknowledged that spin and reverse swing are traditional hurdles for visiting teams in India, adding, “Teams that can effectively counter spin and adapt to reverse swing tend to achieve success here. Therefore, we’re looking for pitches that present these challenges fairly to both sides.”
The current state of the Ahmedabad pitch, appearing notably greener than usual, hints at a potential selection dilemma for the Indian team management. Gill has a formidable spin quartet at his disposal, featuring Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, complemented by a potent pace battery including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Prasidh Krishna.
Reflecting on team composition, Gill remarked, “Our squad boasts immense talent. It was unfortunate that a wicket-taker like Kuldeep didn’t get to play in England. When you have four high-quality spinners, there’s always a temptation to consider batting depth. It’s about weighing our options to determine what provides the greatest advantage.”
A critical decision revolves around managing Jasprit Bumrah’s playing time. The ace fast bowler participated in only three of five Tests during the recent England tour due to concerns over his persistent back issues. Gill clarified the approach for Bumrah, stating, “We’ll decide on his game time on a match-by-match basis, taking into account the duration of the Test and the number of overs our fast bowlers deliver. Nothing is predetermined; the decision will be made after each Test, depending on how our fast bowlers are feeling physically.”
India’s last home series resulted in a disappointing 0-3 defeat to New Zealand less than a year ago. However, a resilient 2-2 draw in England has helped stabilize the team’s morale and performance. Gill articulated the team’s commitment: “We are focused on playing hard, grinding cricket. Unlike many Test matches in recent years that haven’t lasted five days, our games in England went deep. So, expect good, intense, grinding cricket from us; we won’t be seeking easy routes. We possess the skills and talent to dominate any situation and turn things around.”