Sundar labels Kotla pitch as classic Delhi track

• Sundar: Kotla wicket typical, low bounce, minimal turn, challenges diverse skills.
• Kuldeep, wrist spinner, extracted more turn; match haul 8/186. Spinners took 13 wickets.
• England series prepped India's bowlers for long spells, fitness crucial for Tests.

Washington Sundar felt the wicket was consistent with what Kotla has produced over the years, after the Indian bowling unit needed as many as 118.5 overs to dismiss West Indies in their second innings

The off-spinner explained why it was a typical Delhi wicket.

India Vs West Indies: 2nd Test, Day 4 – Highlights

“This, I would say, is a typical Delhi wicket, where there is not much bounce and obviously, there wasn’t a lot of turn on offer also in this game. But yeah, different venues play out quite differently, and that’s the beauty about this format in particular,” Washington told reporters after the fourth day’s play in the second Test with India needing 58 more to win

“We play in a lot of different conditions — be it home or away and obviously, all those conditions and the opposition challenge our skill sets and that’s the beauty of this format. We keep going,” the lanky all-rounder said.

Kuldeep Yadav, being a wrist spinner, extracted more turn from the docile Feroz Shah Kotla pitch compared to others, according to fellow spinner Washington Sundar.

Out of the 20 wickets taken in the match, the spin trio claimed 13, with Kuldeep achieving a match haul of 8 for 186 in 55.5 overs across two innings. Washington took one wicket in his 36 overs, while veteran Ravindra Jadeja secured four wickets in a total of 52 overs.

“I think he (Kuldeep) bowled really well. He hit those areas really well and being a wrist spinner, he probably got a bit of purchase here and there as well and that definitely helped,” Washington said.

“But yes, I think all the bowlers bowled really well. Even the quicks bowled their hearts out. So, yes, as I said, it’s really heartening to have taken 20 wickets on this track,” Washington added.

How Bowling In England Helped For Home Series?

Indian bowlers delivered over 200 overs in this game, and Washington noted that the England series had prepared them well for such scenarios.

“I mean, the England series definitely made us understand what it actually feels like to be on the field for five days because even in England, we fielded for about 180-200 overs every game. So, this definitely isn’t something very new to us.

“One thing for sure is that we have got to be really fit and on top of our game in that aspect and in Test cricket you honestly expect that. You expect most of the Test matches to go until the fifth day and challenge you in every way possible.”

(With inputs from Agencies)