With New Zealand gearing up for their upcoming Test series in India, former opener Martin Guptill has revealed the challenges that Kiwi batters will face on India's spin-friendly pitches.
Guptill shared his thoughts on the mental and technical challenges New Zealand players will encounter during the three-Test series, starting October 16, and which will be played in the cities of Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.
The Black Caps are preparing to take on India, who have been nearly unbeatable at home, having won their last 17 consecutive Test series on Indian soil.
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Guptill emphasized that India's turning tracks present an unique challenge for visiting teams, with some deliveries turning sharply while others skid straight through to the batter.
In an exclusive interview to PTI, Guptill said:
"You never know which one’s going to turn and which one’s going to go straight, so you have to always be mentally sharp and on top of your game."
He elaborated on how difficult it is for batters to settle into any sort of rhythm, often making them feel like they can never truly take control of the game.
"It’s quite challenging to try and dominate India. However, you have to strive to prolong that in the game as long as you can when you feel like you are," he remarked.
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Despite the challenges, Guptill believes that maintaining focus and trying to extend any period of dominance over India will be key for New Zealand.
"You feel like everything is against you and it’s hot and muggy. However, as I previously stated, you must attempt to play as deep into the game as you can if you can try to dominate them and feel like you are doing so,” he stated.
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India’s ability to dominate through both batting and bowling is well-known, especially on home soil. Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, in particular, have formed a deadly duo, often turning matches in India's favor.
"With Ashwin and Jadeja, you never feel like you're winning against India. Even when you think you’ve got them, they come back with a crucial partnership or a big bowling performance," Guptill added.
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The New Zealand team will need to find ways to adapt to the challenging Indian conditions if they are to compete successfully. Guptill believes the upcoming series will be a true test for the Kiwis, as they face a formidable Indian side in their own backyard.
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