Following a stunning defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, the Indian team management has reportedly requested a different kind of pitch for the second Test in Guwahati. This decision comes after their strategy to utilize a spin-friendly wicket in Kolkata dramatically backfired.
The Eden Gardens pitch, specifically requested by the team management to favor India's spin attack, ultimately played into the hands of South Africa's Simon Harmer, who claimed eight wickets and led his team to their first Test victory on Indian soil in 15 years. India, chasing a modest target of 124, were bundled out for a mere 93, exposing their vulnerability against quality spin bowling on a turning track.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch strategy, stating that the team had asked for a turning wicket from day one to negate the toss advantage. He argued that the pitch wasn't unplayable and that the focus should be on improving technique and mindset. Gambhir pointed to innings from Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar as evidence that runs could be scored with good defensive technique. However, this stance contrasts with reports suggesting that captain Shubman Gill had previously expressed a preference for balanced pitches that offer assistance to both batsmen and bowlers. Gill, unfortunately, missed most of the Kolkata Test due to a neck spasm.
Despite the criticism and the unexpected outcome, sources indicate that the Indian team remains determined to play on turning tracks throughout the home series. This unwavering approach has reportedly caused concern within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), especially with Guwahati preparing to host its first-ever Test match.
The second Test will be held at the Barsapara Stadium, a venue known for its red soil pitch that typically produces extra pace and bounce. A BCCI source revealed that curators are now focusing on minimizing variable bounce to avoid further controversy. The goal is to ensure that if the pitch does turn, it does so without creating unpredictable bounce, which could lead to an uneven contest.
Experts have weighed in on the situation, with some urging India to reconsider their strategy and trust their strong pace attack. Some suggest that preparing pitches that offer a fairer contest between bat and ball might be more beneficial in the long run. Critics argue that the over-reliance on spin-friendly wickets diminishes the home advantage and allows opposition bowlers to exploit the same conditions.
The outcome of the second Test in Guwahati will be crucial in determining whether India sticks with its preferred pitch strategy or adapts to a more balanced approach. The performance of the batsmen on the Guwahati pitch will be closely watched, as will the effectiveness of both the Indian and South African bowling attacks. The result will not only impact the series but also influence India's approach to future home Tests and their pursuit of World Test Championship points.
