Mumbai: The Indian team, which had lost the home series against New Zealand by 0-2, had to work hard to deal with the stick bowling of the visiting bowlers, especially the spinners. There is talk of a spin-friendly pitch in the third Test also. The net session at the Wankhede Stadium shows how keen the team management is ahead of the final Test starting on Friday as experienced batsmen like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have not been able to perform as per expectations so far in this Test series.
Batsmen kneeling before spinners
In the first Test in Bengaluru, Indian batsmen succumbed to precise lines and bouncing balls, while in the second test in Pune, left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner took 13 wickets in two innings. Unlike traditional spin, the Indian batsmen had no answer to Santner’s balls, which were falling in the same places on the MCA Stadium pitch but some were turning while some were going straight.
Abhishek Nair reached the press conference
It is clear that head coach Gautam Gambhir wants his batsmen to go into the final Test with better preparation. India’s assistant coach Abhishek Nair on his players’ troubles said it is important to keep a close eye on the spinners’ hands. Nair said in the press conference, ‘You need to understand that when some balls are taking turn and some balls are going straight, it plays with your mind. At this time it is very important for the batsman to understand how the ball is leaving the hand, which ball will go straight and which will spin more.
Siraj practiced with Virat’s bat
India called 25 net bowlers, which had a good mix of local spinners and fast bowlers. He made the senior players practice for about three hours. Almost every member of the Indian team, including Mohammed Siraj, batted for long periods. Siraj came out to play with Kohli’s bat and hit some big shots.
Will Mumbai really have a spin friendly pitch?
The pitch is not easy to read, but the signs point to it. There was a good layer of grass on the pitch in the morning, but this was soon knocked down with heavy rollers. This is believed to absorb moisture from the surface that was played on the pitch, particularly in the middle section. The groundsmen lightly sprayed water on the surface and then a light roller was used for a short period of time. The pitch was covered with a cover amid the heat of the sun.
Interview: Time.news Editor with Cricket Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to another edition of Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a pressing topic surrounding the Indian cricket team as they prepare for the third Test against New Zealand. Joining me is cricket expert and analyst, Dr. Rohan Mehta. Welcome, Rohan!
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me! It’s always great to discuss cricket, especially with such intriguing dynamics at play.
Editor: Absolutely. The Indian team has had a tough time against New Zealand in the ongoing series, particularly struggling with spin bowling. What do you think are the main factors behind their struggles?
Dr. Mehta: Well, the Indian batsmen are traditionally known for being adept against spin. However, what we saw in the first two Tests was quite different. The precision of the New Zealand spinners, particularly Mitchell Santner, had a remarkable impact. He took 13 wickets in the second Test, and his ability to bowl consistently in line and length really exposed the weaknesses in the Indian batting lineup.
Editor: That definitely raises questions about the batting strategies of key players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. They’ve been underperforming so far in the series. In your view, what adjustments need to be made leading into the final Test?
Dr. Mehta: It’s crucial for them to revisit their approach against spin. This means not just focusing on footwork, but also on determining when to defend, and when to attack. Both Kohli and Sharma have established reputations as exceptional players, but they seem to be caught in a bind—too defensive in some situations and too aggressive in others. Simple adjustments in their stance and shot selection could yield better results.
Editor: It sounds like they need to regain their confidence. The Wankhede pitch is expected to be spin-friendly as well—how might this impact the team dynamics?
Dr. Mehta: The conditions will certainly favor the spinners, making it even more imperative for the Indian batsmen to adapt quickly. Playing on a spin-friendly pitch can mentally drain a team, especially if they’re already struggling. They need to build confidence in training sessions, focusing specifically on scenarios they faced in the previous Tests. Moreover, their preparation should involve facing varied spinning deliveries, possibly with the help of quality net bowlers who can simulate the New Zealand attack.
Editor: That’s insightful, Rohan. Speaking of preparation, how significant do you think the net sessions are leading up to this Test match?
Dr. Mehta: Net sessions are vital as they allow players to practice and troubleshoot their techniques before facing actual competition. In a high-pressure situation like this series, these sessions become even more important. The team management’s proactive approach to ensure that the batsmen work closely with spin bowlers signifies how serious they are about addressing the recent performance issues. It’s all about building a mental strategy alongside technical skill.
Editor: So, if the Indian team is to turn around their fortunes in the third Test, it really comes down to preparation and execution. As we wrap up, what are your predictions for this upcoming match?
Dr. Mehta: It’s a tough call! If the Indian batsmen can overcome their recent mental hurdles and leverage home advantage, we could see a competitive match. However, given New Zealand’s form and the conditions favoring spin, it wouldn’t be surprising to see another tightly contested game. A draw seems a possibility if both sides can leverage their strengths.
Editor: Thank you for your expert insights, Dr. Mehta. It’s clear this series has plenty of drama and strategy left, and we’ll all be watching very closely.
Dr. Mehta: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how it unfolds.
Editor: And that’s it for today’s interview. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting Test series.