Rahul Dravid unhappy with Nagpur pitch, summons curator for spin friendly wicket – Reports
Rahul Dravid (Image Credit: Twitter)
It is reported that India head coach, Rahul Dravid had an animated chat with Jamtha Stadium pitch curator Abhijeet Piprode. Notably, it was recently reported that India skipper Rohit Sharma has ‘commanded’ the pitch curators to prepare supporting wickets. However, three days ahead of the first Test in Nagpur, Dravid was reported to ask a turner for the game.
The former India skipper is said to be unhappy with the wicket when the batters were practicing on side pitches. With the sudden change in plans, the curators are working round the clock to turn the wicket as per the requirements of the home team. Firstly, the grass cover on the pitch might be shaved off entirely. Previously, most of the surface was covered in grass with some brown patches.
However, with a World Test Championship 2023 final on stake, the World Number Two Test side is looking to bank on their tried and tested formula. In the last few years, India has dished out turners for the visiting in a few series. Meanwhile, as reported by Jagran, India is looking to find a spot in the WTC finals.
Coach Rahul Dravid had quite an animated chat with VCA Jamtha, pitch Nagpur curator Abhijeet Piprode, a former Vidarbha player, at the nets #INDvsAUS #BorderGavaskarTrophy @NewIndianXpress @indraneel0 pic.twitter.com/1YDsre5Gdr
— firoz mirza (@scribefiroz237) February 8, 2023
Rahul Dravid also requested a change in pitch ahead of the second T20I against New Zealand
Fans might remember the pitch on offer in Lucknow for the second T20I between India and New Zealand recently. During the game, both teams could only score 199 runs in a little less than 40 overs. It became a major controversy with spinners from both teams bowling 30 overs in the game. After the game, the pitch curator from the venue was sacked.
Meanwhile, India has had an interesting history in relation to the Nagpur venue. In 2004, the then-India skipper Sourav Ganguly asked for a turning track against Australia. However, the team lost the game by 342 runs. Also, Ganguly didn’t play the game. 11 years later, India thrashed South Africa inside three days on a turner. However, the venue was sanctioned for two years for the unfair wicket.
