According to reports, India skipper Shubman Gill had a lengthy conversation with the pitch curator at the Eden Gardens prior to the opening Test match in Kolkata against South Africa. On Friday, November 14, the match will start, and Shubman Gill has said clearly how he wants his team to play the defending World Test Championship champions.
Shubman Gill stated prior to the series’ first match that the team has inspected the pitch and that the team’s approach will be heavily influenced by the pitch’s appearance just before the toss. In addition to talking about the pitch, he stated that the management will also take into account environmental aspects because the sun sets very early in Kolkata.
“The wicket is essentially finished, but it appeared somewhat different when we got there yesterday. It appears to have slightly changed again today. Therefore, we will make a decision based on our viewing of the surface tomorrow. We have to remember that the light tends to go out a bit sooner in this region of India,” Gill stated during the pregame press conference.
Shubman Gill also emphasised the dominance of pacers and spinners at different times of the day in Test matches, particularly in India. The Fazilka native added that a team’s spin offensive must be of the highest calibre since, in subcontinental conditions, it would probably determine whether they won or lost a red-ball match.
“The fast bowlers typically receive some assistance during the morning and evening sessions. In general, when we play in India, the spinners typically determine the result of the match.
Shubman Gill went on to say, “Your odds of winning increase with the quality of your spin attack.
After missing the series against the West Indies due to a fractured right toe sustained during India’s tour of England, Rishabh Pant, the outstanding wicketkeeper-batter, will return to the Test team for the opening Test match. As previously revealed by assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, India would also use their second wicketkeeper, Dhruv Jurel, in the forthcoming match, but as a specialist batter.
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