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

India's next cricketing action will now move to Pune, for the important second Test against New Zealand. With the series inclined towards the visitors, the pitch at Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune is likely to play an important role in India's pursuit to bounce back from their disappointing defeat in Bengaluru.

The first Test in Bengaluru saw the hosts being bundled for their lowest home Test score of 46 all out. Now, as they look to level the series and keep their World Test Championship final hopes alive, the hosts are banking on a surface tailored to their strengths.

According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Pune pitch will be very different from the Bengaluru track. Predominantly composed of black soil, the surface is expected to offer lower bounce and slower turn. This carefully crafted wicket is made to neutralize the threat set by New Zealand's tough pace attack, which wreaked havoc in the series opener.

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Pune has hosted only two Tests

The decision to prepare a turning track reflects India's strategy to leverage its formidable spin arsenal. With the likes of Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Kuldeep Yadav in the squad, India is likely to field at least three spinners. Furthermore, Washington Sundar has also been added to the squad for the final two fixtures.

However, the Pune pitch comes with its own set of challenges and history. The venue has hosted only two Tests previously, with the inaugural match in 2017 ending in an emphatic victory for Australia. That surface, which heavily favoured spin, was rated poor by the ICC.

The toss will also play a crucial role. The dry surface that will offer minimal seam movement, is expected to support reverse swing as the match progresses. Batting first on this slow turner could prove decisive in shaping the outcome of the Test.