Renowned cricket analyst Simon Doull recently shared his apprehensions about the challenges faced by modern Indian batsmen on the sub-continent’s spin-friendly pitches. In a conversation with Hindustan Times during the ILT20, Doull specifically questioned how players like Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal could achieve Test double hundreds given the unique conditions.
As Team India gears up for a high-profile five-match series against England, starting on January 25 in Hyderabad, the nature of the pitches has become a prominent topic of discussion. Over the years, Indian surfaces, especially those prepared for Test matches, have faced scrutiny from the English media for their spin-friendly nature, sometimes offering significant turn as early as Day 1.
The article highlights England’s historical struggles on Indian soil, with their last series win in 2012 and subsequent defeats of 0-4 and 1-3 in two tours. Rohit Sharma, the Indian captain, has recently voiced his opinion on the matter, expressing discontent with the criticism of Indian pitches. He emphasized the fairness of spinning tracks, stating that they test the skills of both batsmen and bowlers, providing a competitive playing field.
The upcoming Test series promises to be a challenging contest, with Doull’s concerns adding an extra layer of intrigue. As cricket enthusiasts await the on-field action, the debate over pitch conditions continues to be a focal point in the build-up to the series.