After a month-long break, the Indian cricket team returned to action on Thursday, facing Bangladesh in the first Test in Chennai. This match also marked India’s first red-ball game in over six months, following their 4-1 series victory against England. The match, held at the traditionally spin-friendly MA Chidambaram Stadium, raised eyebrows as India opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack—three fast bowlers and two spinners—departing from the usual spin-dominant lineup associated with Chennai pitches.
India’s decision sparked debate on social media, with many fans questioning the move, given the venue’s reputation for favoring spinners. However, the choice appears to be part of a calculated strategy, factoring in both the specific conditions of the Chennai pitch and the team’s future plans.
This time around, the Chennai surface has been prepared using a significant amount of red soil, which tends to produce more bounce than the traditional black soil pitches in India. This may explain why the team management decided to back their pace attack, believing the conditions would suit fast bowlers more than usual.
Another key factor behind India’s pace-heavy strategy is their upcoming tour of Australia. Known for its fast and bouncy pitches, Australia will present a significant challenge later this year. The Indian team appears to be using this series as a preparatory step to ensure their pacers are in top form ahead of the tour, where India will aim for a historic third consecutive Test series win in Australia.
By prioritizing pace in conditions that normally favor spin, India’s management is thinking long-term, balancing the immediate needs of the Chennai Test with the bigger picture of their Australia tour preparation.
