Reports: Rohit Sharma, Rahul Dravid unhappy with Nagpur wicket ahead of first Test against Australia

Ahead of the crucial Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India skipper, Rohit Sharma, and head coach, Rahul Dravid, are seemingly ‘unhappy’ with the surface on offer in Nagpur. The two fierce rivals are to lock horns in a four-match Test series scheduled to kickstart on February 9, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium.

While there has been much speculation surrounding the Indian pitches providing spin-friendly tracks, per Rohit and Dravid were not too satisfied with the current state of the pitch in Nagpur. Furthermore, the Indian team management has called for changes after the head coach held discussions with the pitch curator to fulfill the home team’s requirements.

The authorities of the stadium along with the groundsmen have been working overtime to prepare a wicket that could assist the Rohit Sharma-led side, as reported in a video by RevSportz. The reports also claim that Dravid has requested the VCA authorities for ‘rank turners’ for the first Test. 

The Indian curators are looking at a way for India to have an advantage: Jason Gillespie

Earlier, the former Australia speedster, Jason Gillespie, accused the pitch curators of working towards providing an unfair advantage to the home side ahead of the crucial series. 

“I think the Indian curators are looking at a way for India to have an advantage. They potentially think spin will play a huge role and that for the best chance to beat Australia will be to play to their strength,” told Gillespie while speaking to SEN WA Breakfast.

Simon O’Donnell, former Australia cricketer too concurred with the statements and urged the apex council- ICC to intervene and ensure a neutral wicket without bias. 

“If they think the pitch is not right, there’ll be an ICC referee at the game and the ICC will be watching this game. But there’s so many when it comes to India, we have all of these discussions, and nothing seems to happen,” Simon O’Donnell. 

The two heavyweights are also in contention for a spot in the summit clash of the World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle. Therefore, the series proves to be a crucial one as both the sides will aim to obtain wins and thereby secure a berth in the final of the global ICC event.

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