MUMBAI, Oct 31:
Pushed to a corner like never before, India face their biggest challenge at home when they clash with New Zealand in the must-win third Test as they are left to salvage pride and fight a perception about their diminishing ability to negotiate quality spin attack.
India could be treading a thin line between bravado and desperation while going for the jugular on a rank turner in the final game of the series, starting Friday.
After losing their first home series in 12 years, India need to win the Wankhede Test to remain in contention for a slot in the World Test Championship final at Lord’s in June.
With six Tests remaining in the 2023-25 cycle, two-time runner-up India will need to win at least four more to have another crack at the WTC trophy.
A turner in Pune exposed the soft underbelly of Indian batters’ technique against slow bowling but as per the current team’s philosophy, it has decided to take the bull by its horn by asking for a turner where the ball might turn at right angles from first hour. Another three-day finish is on the cards. Calling 20 odd slow bowlers for net practice, cancelling optional sessions and drawing white lines to understand the lines and gauge the length are signs of panic being set among rank and file after being 0-2 down. Regardless of their remarkable fightback in the second innings of the opening Test, the abysmal show from India’s famed batters against quality seam in Bengaluru and an abject surrender against spin have set in motion the beginning of the end for some of India’s superstars. The totals of 46, 156 and 245 do paint a sorry picture before Rohit’s team embarks on a more challenging conditions in Australia. “I am not going to sugarcoat that it is hurting. It should hurt and that hurt will make us better. What is wrong in being in this position?,” head coach Gautam Gambhir said on eve of the third Test.
Ashwin and Jadeja after many years haven’t looked menacing even on home soil. It won’t be surprising if Axar Patel plays for India as his bowling is tailor-made for turners where batters struggle to decide whether to come forward or rock back. The team management in a prudent move has decided to rest Jasprit Bumrah keeping Australia tour in mind.
While the venue’s location — next to the Arabian Sea — ensures there is breeze in the morning and early assistance to the fast bowlers, the pitch is expected to play in favour of the spinners sooner than later with its red soil providing plenty of bounce.
Teams
India: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (wk), Dhruv Jurel (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep, Washington Sundar.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (c), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Mark Chapman, Will Young, Daryl Mitchell, Glenn Phillips, Michael Bracewell, Mitchell Santner, Rachin Ravindra, Tom Blundell (wk), Ajaz Patel, Matt Henry, Tim Southee, William O’Rourke, Jacob Duffy.
Match starts at 9:30 am IST. (PTI)
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