Since the start of 2013, India have a stellar record in Test record at home. Of the 16 Tests that they have played in India during that period, they have won 14, drawn two and lost none.
Many critics have attributed that to the nature of the pitches that are produced in India, with the spinners coming into play big time. The said notion was especially mentioned a lot during the India-South Africa Test series last year, which saw two very low-scoring matches in Mohali and Nagpur.
A year on, India captain Virat Kohli shot back at the critics, stating that India have proven that they don’t depend on pitches after posting two consecutive wins over England on tracks that had something in them for everyone.
“It’s exactly been 12 months that I was asked a question about we playing on unfair pitches and the question has turned itself. So we don’t need to say much about the pitches,” said Kohli.
“We are focused on good cricket and we are a team that looks to play good cricket and win sessions. It was a perfectly good wicket for cricket.
“Even for pace bowlers as well, as our guys really rushed in and put in an effort and got results. It was a wicket if you persisted long enough you will get results that you want.”
A closer look at the Day 4 pitch. How do you reckon this is going to play up? #INDvENG @Paytm Test cricket pic.twitter.com/JfRTAob6It
— BCCI (@BCCI) November 29, 2016
Kohli even went back to mentioning the Kolkata Test against New Zealand earlier this year, during which the quicker bowlers enjoyed some success. The Indian pacers were responsible for 12 out of the 20 Kiwi wickets in the Test.
“Even in Kolkata, we showed that we don’t want dry square turners, we have enough skill to play good cricket and win against any team in the world,” added the 28-year-old. “That’s the belief we have created in the dressing room. That can only happen when you are not bothered what’s happening outside that door and focus on your own skills.”
With a 2-0 series lead, India will be confident of registering their first Test series win over England in almost eight years when they take the field in the fourth Test at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on December 8.
