Reports: India demand rank turner for Mumbai Test against New Zealand

Team India has reportedly requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to prepare a rank-turner pitch for the final Test against New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Meanwhile, the hosts suffered their first home Test series loss in 12 years, with New Zealand leading 2-0, putting an end to India's impressive 18-series winning streak at home.

The request for a spinning track was made as India faces the prospect of their first-ever series whitewash since February 2000. The team has struggled against spin, particularly against Mitchell Santner who claimed 13 wickets in the second Test, which has raised concerns about their ability to handle turning conditions. According to an Indian Express report the team management is reverting to a familiar strategy. 

“It will be rank turner pitch. The team management has requested to prepare a pitch which can help spinners from Day 1. It seems the team wants to go on a tried and tested formula,” a source was quoted saying.

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Venue has helped the spinners

The Wankhede Stadium's red-soil pitch has considerable bounce, which could provide additional challenges for batters while potentially benefiting both teams' spin attacks. Historically, the venue has helped the spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin matching Anil Kumble's record of 38 wickets at this ground. Notably, New Zealand's Ajaz Patel's remarkable 10-wicket haul in an innings was also achieved at this very venue in 2021.

The senior batters' struggles have been particularly concerning, and facing quality spin on a turning track could potentially backfire. Nevertheless, the team seems prepared to take this calculated risk to avoid a whitewash. In terms of team changes, Delhi-based pacer Harshit Rana has been included in the squad. This selection could be tactical, potentially providing him with valuable experience before the upcoming Australian tour.