Why do we need to prepare turning tracks in India: Sourav Ganguly gives his thoughts about playing on ‘good wickets’

"Batting quality dropping because of pitches in last 6 to 7 yrs at home ..good wickets are a must," Ganguly said in a tweet.

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly, known for his advocacy of pace bowling, has once again raised his voice in favor of preparing sporting pitches in India rather than solely focusing on rank turners. In a recent tweet, Ganguly expressed his wonder at the impressive performances of fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Sami, and Mohammed Siraj, questioning the necessity of preparing tracks that excessively favor spin.

Ganguly’s conviction in playing on good wickets has only strengthened with each game, as he believes that the Indian bowling lineup, comprising spinners like Ashwin, Jadeja, Kuldeep, and Axar, is fully capable of taking 20 wickets on any surface. The former BCCI chief’s tweet highlights his concerns about the decline in batting quality over the last 6 to 7 years in home conditions, attributing it to the nature of pitches.

In particular, Ganguly stressed the importance of good wickets, insisting that they are a must for the overall development of cricket in the country. His tweet indirectly questions the prevalent trend of preparing turning tracks, which has been a subject of debate in recent times.

Ganguly’s perspective gains significance in the wake of India’s dominant performance in the ongoing second Test against England. Pacer Jasprit Bumrah’s exceptional five-wicket haul on Day 2 showcased the effectiveness of a balanced pitch that provides opportunities for both batsmen and bowlers.

The ex-BCCI chief had previously shared similar views during India’s home series against Australia last year, especially after the pitch in Indore received a “poor” rating from the ICC. Ganguly’s emphasis on playing on good wickets aligns with his vision for the growth of Indian cricket.

On the second day of the second Test against England, Bumrah’s outstanding performance, which included scalping five wickets and reaching his 150th wicket milestone, reinforced Ganguly’s argument. Bumrah’s success on a surface that offered a fair contest between bat and ball exemplified the significance of balanced pitches.

In conclusion, Ganguly’s call for sporting pitches reflects a broader sentiment in the cricketing community, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach to pitch preparation. As India looks to level the series against England, Ganguly’s perspective adds an interesting layer to the ongoing discussions surrounding pitch conditions in international cricket.