Team India's Bold Decision On Mumbai Pitch After Going 0-2 Down Against New Zealand

In light of their disappointing performance, with Team India trailing 0-2 in the Test series against New Zealand, significant changes are being implemented regarding the pitch at Wankhede Stadium ahead of the third Test. Although India has already lost the series, they are determined to secure a victory in Mumbai to reignite their hopes for the World Test Championship final.

Historically, the first two Tests saw spinners dominating the game, with turning tracks evident from the very first day. However, the pitch for the final Test is expected to present a different challenge, favoring batters initially.

According to a report from the Times of India, a "sporting track" has been prepared at Wankhede, complete with a layer of grass. This change is designed to provide a more balanced surface, allowing for better batting conditions on Day 1 while still offering assistance to spinners starting from Day 2. A source quoted in the report stated, "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."

Previous Encounter at Wankhede

India's last Test match against New Zealand at Wankhede occurred in December 2021, where the home team delivered a resounding victory, winning by 372 runs. In that match, New Zealand was dismissed for just 62 and 167, highlighting the effectiveness of India's spinners. India scored 325 and declared at 276/7, with Ravichandran Ashwin taking 8 wickets for just 42 runs combined across both innings. Notably, New Zealand's Ajaz Patel also made headlines by achieving historic figures of 10 wickets for 119 runs in the first innings, followed by 4 wickets for 104 runs in the second.

With this new pitch strategy, India hopes to change their fortunes and end the series on a high note, despite the setbacks they've faced in the earlier matches.