With the Border Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on February 9, the pitches that will be used throughout the series have been the subject of much debate. Former Indian hitter Sanjay Manjrekar recently said that if Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were still in charge, the pitches would have given spin from the start.
For many days, the pitch that would be prepared for the first Test in Nagpur has been debated. Prior to the commencement of the series, Australia would be hoping to break their series victory drought in India, and the pitch would play a vital role in making that happen.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar said, “With the build-up and expectation, as well as the high regard for the Australian team, India has always sought or desired pitches that turn from Day 1. It just makes their job simpler.”
With Rohit Sharma as captain and Rahul Dravid as head coach, Manjrekar, 57, acknowledged he is unclear how the pitches in the series would be selected. During the eras of Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri as captain and coach, India underlined its presence across the globe while maintaining its supremacy at home.
“If it had been Virat and Ravi, the pitches would have been rank turners, turning from the first session. I’m not sure how this management would tackle the situation, but we should ready ourselves for pitches that will turn from the start “Manjrekar went on to say.
Australia’s track record on Indian soil since 2004 has compelled them to concentrate more on spin bowling in order to better prepare for what Team India has in store for them. If Australia’s hitters are to defeat the Indian bowling assault, they will need to put up a performance of a lifetime.
