NEW DELHI: The Guwahati pitch is a new challenge for both India and South Africa, but former opener Aakash Chopra feels the home side retains a slight edge due to its experience on Indian surfaces.

With India aiming to level the two-match series after a 30-run loss in Kolkata, playing at ACA Stadium, a debut Test venue, adds a unique twist.

Guwahati Pitch Presents Fresh Challenge for Both Sides

“No one has any idea how cricket will be played in Guwahati because it is a new Test venue. Of course, first-class cricket has already happened there, and we have seen some big turn during the recent Women's World Cup matches,” Chopra, now a JioStar expert, said during Media Day ahead of the second Test.

“So, if you are playing there for the first time, be it Shubman Gill or Sai Sudarshan or Rishabh Pant, the pitch is as good for them as it is for Temba Bavuma or Ryan Rickelton. So, it is a challenge for both teams,” he added.

Chopra was confident that home advantage still matters. “But we are still playing in India. We grew up playing on these kind of surfaces. Yes, Guwahati might be different, but the soil must have come from somewhere in India.

We would like to believe and back ourselves to adapt faster even if it is slightly different compared to someone brought up in Johannesburg and playing all cricket at the Wanderers ground,” he noted.

No. 3 Slot Debate: Sundar or Sudarshan?

Washington Sundar impressed while batting at No. 3 in the Eden Gardens Test, but Chopra emphasised the need for a pure batter in this key position, particularly if skipper Shubman Gill misses out.

“Washington Sundar presents himself as a phenomenal option who can actually bat at the top of the order. He is more than a handy bowler. But the bigger question that Gautam (Gambhir) and the team management need to answer is, are we going to keep changing goalposts after every series?

“When we were in England, we tried Sai Sudharsan and Karun Nair at No. 3. Not that Washington wasn't available at that point, but we chose someone else. Then we came to India and gave Sai Sudarshan an opportunity, and he actually grabbed it with both hands versus the West Indies at Delhi with an 87.”

Chopra argued that consistency matters. “You would want to continue with him (Sudarshan) because at No. 3, you need to prioritise batting skill, temperament, patience, and the ability to stay long at the crease. That is why you should look for a purist and specialist at No. 3.”

On workload management for Gill, Chopra added: “If fitness is fine and mental burnout isn’t an issue, you play as much as possible. Form is precious, and you must maximise it while it lasts. You stay with them and play as much as you can, as often as you can,” he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)