As anticipation builds for the second Test between India and New Zealand, starting Thursday in Pune, cricket enthusiasts are keenly eyeing the pitch conditions. According to an ESPNcricinfo report, the surface at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium will be predominantly packed with black soil, offering a slower and lower bounce compared to the first Test in Bengaluru, where India suffered a shocking defeat, scoring just 46 runs in their first innings.
After their disappointing outing in Bengaluru, Rohit Sharma’s team faces immense pressure to rebound and secure a win to take a 2-1 lead in the three-match series. This victory is crucial for India as they aim to maintain their position in the race for the World Test Championship final scheduled for next June.
The pitch in Pune is expected to be flatter and slower, designed to assist Indian spinners, aligning with the broader strategy for upcoming Tests in Pune and Mumbai. The Indian selectors have opted to include Washington Sundar as a 16th squad member, alongside established spinners Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav, who participated in the first Test. The selection hints at a strategy to deploy at least three spinners, though the final lineup may vary based on the pitch’s characteristics.
Historically, Pune has witnessed a mix of outcomes in its brief Test history. The inaugural Test in 2016 ended in a resounding 333-run victory for Australia, where spinners dominated the game, accounting for 31 of the 40 wickets. The subsequent Test in 2019 saw India claim victory over South Africa, with Virat Kohli shining with a double-century.
The upcoming pitch is projected to be nearly devoid of grass, suggesting minimal seam movement after the first hour. However, the dry surface is expected to facilitate reverse swing, further complicating conditions for seamers. As a result, winning the toss could prove crucial, with teams likely to prefer batting first to exploit the pitch conditions.
As the teams prepare for this pivotal Test, the focus will be on how effectively India’s spinners can leverage the conditions and whether New Zealand can capitalize on their previous success in Bengaluru. With the stakes high, fans can expect an intense contest on the cards.