India vs Sri Lanka: Mohali pitch similar to Dharamsala, but will grass be shaved? | Cricket - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

India vs Sri Lanka: Mohali pitch similar to Dharamsala, but will grass be shaved?

Hindustan Times, Mohali | By
Dec 11, 2017 08:51 PM IST

The prevailing conditions in Mohali clearly indicate that the batsmen will face a tough time as the ball is likely to swing and seam in the second ODI between India and Sri Lanka.

With the Indian cricket team shocked on a green track in Dharamsala and down 1-0 in the three-match series, the focus is on the pitch at the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) Stadium in Mohali where the second ODI will be played.

The Indian cricket team are likely to face conditions similar to the Dharamsala pitch in Mohali.(HT Photo)
The Indian cricket team are likely to face conditions similar to the Dharamsala pitch in Mohali.(HT Photo)

The prevailing conditions— chill and light rain, which are likely to continue on Tuesday also—clearly indicate that the batsmen will face a tough time as the ball is likely to swing and seam; but conditions apply.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

PCA has traditionally favoured fast bowlers, providing them with ample bounce and movement to work with both on and off the pitch.

READ | India set for lighter overall cricket schedule in 2019-23; home games to increase

With India trailing and looking for a series equalising win, the big question is whether the grass will remain or be shaved off.

Former India player Bhupinder Singh Sr, who has represented Punjab and also coached them, predicts a bald pitch.

“With India down, it’s likely that the last speck of grass will be shaved off. Otherwise, if the grass is left on it, the conditions will be similar to those in Dharamsala. The conditions and weather all help bounce, seam and swing, but I think you are likely to see a bald pitch by December 13,” said Bhupinder, who has plenty of experience at Mohali.

READ | India opt out of Paarl warm-up, to play Cape Town Test without match practice

Unlike the Sri Lankan cricket team, who are stranded in Dharamsala, the Indian team arrived here on time and players including Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik, Washington Sundar along with batting coach Sanjay Bangar had first look at the conditions with a session at PCA.

Bhupinder further added that white ball will help seamers for the first 10-12 overs. “But once the shine goes, the ball is likely to come nicely onto the bat,” he said.

Unlock a world of Benefits with HT! From insightful newsletters to real-time news alerts and a personalized news feed – it's all here, just a click away!- Login Now!
Catch all the Latest RCB Unbox 2024 LIVE, Cricket News, Live Cricket Score and IPL 2024 Schedule, match updates along with Cricket Schedule, Purple Cap in IPL 2024, Orange Cap in IPL 2024 and other related updates on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
  • ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    author-default-90x90

    Ashutosh Sharma is based in Chandigarh and has been a sports journalist for over a decade. He mainly writes on cricket.

SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Tuesday, March 19, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On