India’s recent struggles against spin have been laid bare, with 18 dismissals against spinners in Pune alone, revealing a glaring vulnerability. The Indian batting lineup has faltered in recent contests, facing tough losses in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) and a historic defeat against Sri Lanka. Most recently, Mitchell Santner led New Zealand to a convincing win in Pune, ending India’s long-standing unbeaten home series streak.
Now, the Indian team management has reportedly requested a rank turner for the final Test in Mumbai, hoping to leverage home conditions in favor of their spinners. However, this tactic could be a double-edged sword, with India’s own batting frailties at risk of being exposed.
While the team’s spinners, like Washington Sundar, might find success on a turn-heavy pitch, the decision raises concerns about India’s batting lineup, which has struggled against spin-heavy attacks. The Wankhede pitch, known for its bounce, could make conditions even trickier for batters already lacking confidence against spin.
As India faces the possibility of a 0-3 series loss, the team management’s gamble on a rank turner underscores their desperation to salvage pride. However, an overly challenging pitch might backfire, potentially leading to a surprising and humbling series result.