India and South Africa’s Super 8 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will be played on a black soil surface expected to assist pacers more than spinners. Reports suggest minimal turn and good bounce, prompting India to reconsider playing a third spinner.
India and South Africa match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium
Ahmedabad: The crucial match between India and South Africa in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. According to reports, a black soil pitch has been prepared for this match, which is not considered very helpful for spinners. The pitch is expected to have good bounce, and the grass has been completely removed, making it appear like a flat track.
After the pitch report, the team management faces a major question: should they play an extra spinner or give another fast bowler a chance? Axar Patel is almost certain to return to the playing XI, potentially replacing Washington Sundar. However, doubts have now increased about including Kuldeep Yadav as the third spinner, especially given Arshdeep Singh's effectiveness in the death overs.
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A former Gujarat captain told that there is not much scope for spin on this pitch. He believes the wicket will be flat and the batsmen will get good bounce to play their shots. He clearly stated that if he were captain, he would prefer Arshdeep Singh over Kuldeep Yadav on this pitch.
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Quinton De Kock also stated in the pre-match press conference that Ahmedabad pitches have been more favorable for seamers in recent times. He said, "There's not much spin assistance here; it all depends on the conditions."
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In the optional practice session held the day before the match, Kuldeep Yadav practiced extensively and bowled to Ishan Kishan and Rinku Singh. Typically, bowlers who play the next day don't participate much in pre-match practice. Therefore, Kuldeep's sweating could be a sign that the team management is considering including Arshdeep in the playing eleven.
Overall, given the nature of the pitch, this match is indicating an exciting contest between batsmen and fast bowlers. Now it remains to be seen with which combination the Indian team will enter the field.
