India`s captain, Shubman Gill, announced on Wednesday that his team aims to wear down opponents on turning pitches as they kick off their home season with a two-Test series against the West Indies. The opening Test is set to begin Thursday at Ahmedabad`s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world`s largest cricket venue. India enters as strong favorites for a 2-0 series win.
A young Indian squad, under Gill`s captaincy, showed promise earlier in August by securing a 2-2 draw in their five-Test series in England. This series was Gill`s maiden assignment as captain and the team`s first without retired stalwarts Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
Gill on India`s Pitch Challenges and Strategy
The 26-year-old noted that Indian pitches offer distinct challenges. `We are aiming to play some hard, grinding cricket,` Gill conveyed to reporters. He observed that recent Tests in India seldom lasted the full five days, unlike those in England which often `went pretty deep.`
However, Gill affirmed that India is not `looking for any easy way out options` and insisted the team `had the skill set to be able to play on any kind of wicket, or any situation.`
India`s strategy of preparing rank turners had backfired last year when New Zealand swept the hosts 3-0 in Tests. Gill, however, stated that the pitches for the West Indies series would aim for a better balance between bat and ball. `We would be looking to play on wickets that offer both to the batsmen and to the bowlers,` Gill said. He added, `For any team that comes to India, they know that the challenge is going to be spin and reverse swing.`
West Indies` Perspective and Challenges
The West Indies, led by Roston Chase, have faced struggles with fast bowler injuries and are a shadow of their once dominant team. `Obviously, we are not in a good position right now regarding our Test status, and we are kind of low on the table,` admitted Chase. `But we have to put that behind us, worry about what`s ahead of us, and play one day at a time. Just try to learn the conditions as fast as possible.`
All-rounder Chase anticipates a trial by spin in Ahmedabad and then in New Delhi, where the second Test begins October 10. `I have played in India before and I know it`s spin-friendly conditions,` said Chase, adding it was `more than likely that spinners will have to bowl more of the overs.`
Left-arm spinner Khary Pierre is set for a long-awaited Test debut at age 34. Chase praised the veteran spinner but said he will reveal the team at the toss.
