IND vs NZ 2024: Pune pitch to assist spinners as India look to level series

India’s next cricket match will now take place in Pune, where they will play New Zealand in the crucial second Test. Given the series’ tilt in favour of the visitors, India’s efforts to recover from their heartbreaking loss in Bengaluru are probably going to be greatly aided by the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune.

The hosts’ lowest home Test score of 46 all out resulted to their bundling in the first Test in Bengaluru. In an attempt to level the series and maintain their prospects of making it to the World Test Championship final, the hosts are now relying on a surface that plays to their advantages.

The Bengaluru track and the Pune pitch will differ greatly, according to a report. Black soil makes up the majority of the surface, which should provide slower turn and less bounce. The powerful pace attack from New Zealand, which caused chaos in the first game of the series, is the threat that this expertly constructed pitch is meant to neutralise.

Only two tests have been held in Pune.

The choice to get a turning track ready is indicative of India’s plan to use its powerful spin weaponry. India is expected to deploy at least three spinners because of players like Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, and Ravichandran Ashwin. on addition, Washington Sundar has been included on the roster for the two remaining games.

But the Pune pitch has its own history and set of difficulties. There have only been two Test matches played at the location before, with Australia winning handily in the first game in 2017. The ICC gave that surface a low rating because it strongly encouraged spin.

Also Read: IND vs NZ: 1st Test, Weather Report, Day 5 Weather Insights

Another important factor will be the toss. As the match goes on, it is anticipated that the dry surface, which will provide little seam movement, will facilitate reverse swing. With this sluggish turner, batting first might make all the difference in how the Test turns out.