India`s recent experience with excessively spinning pitches (rank turners) against New Zealand, which ultimately cost them a spot in the World Test Championship final, significantly influenced their decision not to request similar surfaces for the ongoing series against West Indies. Veteran spinner Ravindra Jadeja confirmed on Saturday that the team specifically asked for slow turners. He noted that the Kotla pitch requires more physical effort and shoulder strength from bowlers to extract any significant spin. Despite this, Jadeja, who claimed three wickets on day two, appeared unconcerned by the surface`s limited assistance.
“I`m not surprised,” Jadeja stated, “because we only requested slow turners, not rank turners. We anticipated that the pitch would gradually offer more spin as the match progressed.” He shared this perspective after being asked if he was as surprised as his West Indies counterpart, Jomel Warrican, who had expected more turn based on previous series observations.
Jadeja emphasized the need for diligent effort, saying, “We have to work hard, bowl effectively throughout the innings, and only then can we dismiss the opposition. We will maintain this approach and strive for positive results.”
He further observed that batters are finding it easier to play off the back foot due to the pitch`s slow nature, which causes deliveries to lose pace after hitting the surface. “The bounce is low, and there isn`t much turn. Bowlers need to use their shoulders extensively, as the reduced pace allows batters to easily adjust their length and play from the back foot. Sometimes, being quicker through the air is necessary.”
Jadeja acknowledged the demanding conditions: “It`s not straightforward; not every ball turns, so a lot of hard work is required. If we can break this current partnership, it will become easier since their batting lineup isn`t very deep. Unlike some other pitches, there isn`t quick, sharp turn off this surface.”
He also addressed the brief, heated exchange between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill following Jaiswal`s run-out due to a miscommunication. “That was a simple misunderstanding that can happen in the game. There was a `yes-no, yes-no` situation where the striker thought there was a run, and the non-striker disagreed. These things occur, but fortunately, we were in a strong position at the time.”
Conversely, West Indies` left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who took three of India`s five wickets in their first innings, expressed surprise that his preparations for Indian pitches didn`t align with the actual conditions. “After watching recent games involving England and New Zealand, I expected the pitch to turn sharply from day one. That was my anticipation, but clearly, that`s not what happened.”
Warrican concluded, “Day one and two seemed quite good for batting. It was a bit disappointing for me as a spinner, but it`s a team sport. Hopefully, we can bat well and post a respectable total.”
