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India vs England: Fresh pitch for Nagpur ODI

India vs England: Fresh pitch for Nagpur ODI

Sudhanshu Bisen / TNN / Updated: Feb 5, 2025, 11:07 IST

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Narendra Modi Stadium in Nagpur has faced pitch-related controversies in the past, but for the upcoming ODI between India and England, a new hard surface has been prepared. Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill emphasized the unpredictability of the wicket and mentioned some grass may be retained to maintain moisture. The recent Ranji Trophy match on this pitch ended in a draw.

India vs England: Fresh pitch for Nagpur ODI

Rohit Sharma (BCCI Photo)

NAGPUR: Always the talking point in cricket, Nagpur pitches haven’t been short of controversies. While the pitch was rated ‘poor’ by the ICC in 2015, the Test against Australia in 2023 also saw the visitors criticising the surface. For Thursday though, a fresh, hard surface has been rolled out for the first ODI between India and England.

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“It seems a 300+ wicket right now, with some help to the spinners in the second half. It looks grassy now, but it might be shaved off,” said a source from VCA.
Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill reckoned the wicket will dry soon. “You can never really predict how the wicket is going to play. No instructions have been given by the Indian camp regarding the pitch. I haven't seen grass being shaved off the pitch. The wicket dries here soon, so they might have kept some grass so that the surface retains moisture,” he said while addressing the media.

Only one Ranji Trophy match was played on the pitch between Vidarbha and Gujarat in November 2024. Vidarbha had posted 500+ runs and the match ended in a draw.
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About the Author

Sudhanshu Bisen

Sudhanshu Bisen, 24, is a correspondent-cum-copy editor with The Times of India, Nagpur edition, looking after sports beat which includes covering various sporting events happening in the region. Sport runs through his veins and as most other 24-year-old will have it, he is always smitten by any kind of sporting activity going on either on television or in his city. His work takes him to various play-fields in and around the city. He believes in seeping in in the game he's covering and adds an emotional touch to his reports without being biased. He is passionate about his work and loves watching high quality games.\n\nThough meeting people is essential part of his work, Sudhanshu loves to keep away from crowd in personal life. Books are his best friend though he also loves playing guitar in spare time.

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