PTI
Kanpur, Sept 20: India’s chief coach Anil Kumble asserted here Tuesday that the team management has not asked for a rank turner for the first Test beginning Thursday here and that they will only focus on playing ‘good cricket’ irrespective of the conditions.
“It is the first match of the home series, I knew the first question would be about the pitch and also the last,” said Kumble ahead of the season opener, drawing an instant laughter from the packed press conference. He further rubbished speculation that the team have specifically asked for a turner.
“Nobody is demanding anything. We will go into the game thinking that our spinners are better. We hope the performances we produced in the West Indies continue at home as well. Yes there will be spin and opinions will be formed after the first ball. But since I am the coach, I can’t think like that. We make our plans as the game goes on,” said Kumble.
There has been a lot of talk about the pitch, which is usual before the start of any home series. However, Kumble is only concerned about the cricket his boys play in the home season comprising 13 Tests.
“According to me, it is a typical Kanpur pitch. It is the start of the season, it has rained a lot and the surface has not been used muchrecently. It is looking good.
Having said that, I believe that discussions should be about cricket that is played on the pitch and not about the pitch. In the team meetings, we have discussed this only. Whatever wicket we get, we will adapt and play,” Kumble added in his typical no nonsense manner.
Talking about the opposition, Kumble spoke highly of the three spinners in the Kiwi side (leg-spinner Ish Sodhi, left-arm orthodox Mitchel Santer and offie Mark Craig).
“New Zealand are always a top touring side. The fact that they have three spinners (each being different from another) makes them a strong opposition. It is heartening to see spinners play a major role in other teams and not just for India,” pointed out Kumble.
The Indian coach also asserted that India will not be able to derive ‘home’ advantage as a number of Kiwi cricketers regularly play in the IPL. “That (home conditions) will not play a significant part. No, not anymore. New Zealand are a very tough lot,” stated Kumble.