But JSCA curator SB Singh defends uncharacteristic dark colour of third Test pitch; attributes tone to high percentage of clay content which will hold the wicket together this week
Team India head coach Anil Kumble takes a look at the pitch ahead of Thursday’s third Test against Australia in Ranchi yesterday. Pics/PTI
Since the first image of the Ranchi track started to do the rounds on social media, it has only been criticised. Reason? It has an abnormal dark look and once water is sprinkled it grows darker and many termed it 'ugly.'
ADVERTISEMENT
Overseeing final touches to the track, Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA) Stadium curator SB Singh dismissed the term 'ugly' by referring to an old Hindi song Dil Ko Dekho Chehra Na Dekho (Look at the soul don't judge by its look). He then went on to explain the uncharacteristic dark colour and said "it is because of the high percentage of clay content".
Different from Pune
Singh is no ordinary curator. His passion for the job is best illustrated in an eight-page report he has written about pitch-making which features inputs from none other than former India captain MS Dhoni. Recently, he spent six hours with Dhoni discussing the characteristics of local pitches and the ones the former Indian captain had experienced during his career. When asked about his discussion with Dhoni, Singh said that the former skipper explained, "the importance understanding the local conditions and not just implementing something that did not suit Ranchi".
Given the way the Pune pitch crumbled on its Test debut, there is plenty of pressure on the Ranchi curator to ensure that he prepares a sporting one when the JSCA hosts its first ever five-day game from Thursday. While Singh is not willing to commit on how the pitch will behave, he said that due to the high level of clay it is very unlikely to break early.
When inquired about the amount of water used on the track Singh said that the amount of water spread on the pitch is in accordance to the perspiration of the pitch and it has been monitored for the last 10-15 days.
The Ranchi track. Pic/Twitter
Kohli not bothered
One man who was not bothered with what was happening in the 22 yards at the centre of the ground was Virat Kohli. He didn't even bother to go anywhere within 30 meters of the pitch despite head coach Anil Kumble taking a sneak-peek of what was on offer. Perhaps, Kohli is aware that the battle between bat and ball will decide the fate of the match and not the pitch.
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
