Former New Zealand opener Martin Guptill has expressed concerns about the difficulties his former team may face during their upcoming three-match Test series against India. In an interview, Guptill highlighted the challenges of playing in India, noting how difficult it is to defeat the Indian side on their home turf.
Reflecting on his own experience playing in India, Guptill pointed out that the pitch conditions present a significant challenge. He described the unpredictability of the pitches, where the ball can either spin sharply or skid straight through, making it tough for batters to score.
“You feel like you can never score sometimes, that’s the hardest thing about coming here to India. The ball’s turning square, then the same sort of ball comes through and it skids on straight,” he shared.
Guptill also stressed the mental challenge of playing in India, where batters must always stay alert and think ahead of the bowlers. The unpredictability of the pitches requires players to be constantly focused.
“You never know which one’s going to turn and which one’s going to go straight, so you have to always be thinking, you have to always be mentally on song and on (the top of) your game,” Guptill added during a discussion at Legends League Cricket.
Guptill noted that while it is incredibly difficult to gain an advantage over India, teams must capitalize on any opportunity to press their advantage when it arises.
“To try and get on top of India is extremely difficult. But when you feel like you are, you have to try and take that as long as possible in the game,” Guptill explained.
The upcoming Test series, scheduled to take place in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai starting from October 16, will see the two sides—who faced off in the inaugural World Test Championship final—go head-to-head again. India, who have won their last 17 Test series at home, will be a formidable opponent for the Kiwis, both physically and mentally, according to Guptill.
