India vs New Zealand 3rd Test: Rank turner Mumbai pitch on the cards? Here's the update

Team India has formally requested the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) to prepare a rank-turner pitch for the upcoming final Test against New Zealand at Wankhede Stadium scheduled to begin from 1 November, 2024. This request comes on the heels of a disappointing performance, as the hosts find themselves trailing 2-0 in the India vs New Zealand Test series—marking their first home Test series loss in 12 years and ending an impressive 18-series winning streak at home. With the threat of a potential whitewash looming—India's first since February 2000—the urgency for a spin-friendly surface has escalated. The Indian batting lineup has particularly struggled against spin bowling, facing significant challenges from New Zealand's Mitchell Santner, who took 13 wickets in the second Test. His performance has raised concerns about the team's ability to adapt to turning conditions, prompting the management to revert to a strategy that has historically worked in their favor.

India vs New Zealand: Rank turner in Mumbai?

By opting for a pitch that favors spin, the Indian team aims to regain control and turn the tide in their favor. This approach reflects a tactical shift aimed at leveraging their strengths while addressing evident weaknesses. As the final Test approaches, all eyes will be on how effectively India can respond to these challenges and whether the pitch conditions will play a pivotal role in their quest to salvage pride in this IND vs NZ Test series.

“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.

The red-soil pitch at Wankhede Stadium is known for its considerable bounce, presenting unique challenges for batters while also offering advantages for both teams' spin attacks. Historically, this venue has favored spinners, with Ravichandran Ashwin matching Anil Kumble's record of 38 wickets at the ground. This track record highlights how the pitch can turn matches in favor of spin bowlers.

Additionally, the stadium is remembered for New Zealand's Ajaz Patel's extraordinary achievement in 2021, where he claimed a remarkable 10-wicket haul in a single innings. This performance not only showcased the potential of the Wankhede pitch to assist spinners but also underscored its capacity to create memorable moments in Test cricket.

As the hosts prepare for the India vs New Zealand third and final Test match, the focus will be on how the conditions will impact both teams. With a surface that traditionally aids spin, the Indian side will hope to capitalize on this advantage to reclaim some pride and avoid a series whitewash. All eyes will be on the spinners, who could play a pivotal role in determining the outcome of this crucial match.

The struggles of the senior batters have become a significant concern for Team India, particularly as they prepare to face quality spin on a turning track. The risk of this strategy backfiring is palpable, especially given their recent performance against New Zealand. However, the team appears willing to embrace this calculated gamble in an effort to avoid a series whitewash, which would mark an unprecedented low for them at home.

In response to their challenges, the selection committee has opted to include Harshit Rana, a pacer from Delhi, in the squad for the final Test. This decision seems to be tactical, as the inclusion of Rana could serve multiple purposes. Not only does it provide him with invaluable experience on a challenging pitch, but it also helps to bolster the bowling lineup ahead of the team's upcoming tour of Australia. By bringing in a fresh face, the management may be looking to inject new energy into the squad, hoping that Rana’s enthusiasm and talent can make a positive impact. As the team gears up for this crucial match, the spotlight will be on both the experienced players to step up and the newcomers to seize their opportunities. The stakes are high, and the India squad is determined to put forth a strong performance, both to restore their pride and to keep their hopes alive of qualifying for the World Test Championship final 2025.