World Cup 2023: From slow and low, Kotla pitch has matured into a belter

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On October 11, when India plays Afghanistan, how will the Ferozeshah Kotla pitch perform? Will the surface be similar to the "belter" track used for the South Africa-Sri Lanka game? At Kotla, is batting first preferable than chasing?

In the upcoming days, all of these issues will dominate conversation in the Indian dressing room, but the DDCA ground crew is certain that they will provide another spectacular performance.

Delhi Capitals, an IPL team, was not pleased with how slowly the Kotla track moved during the 2023 IPL matches, but the DDCA wasn't concerned then, and they are not now.

The winner team, Chennai Super Kings, scored more over 200 runs on the Kotla pitch during the previous IPL match, which took place last summer in the scorching heat. This occurred near the conclusion of the cricket season.

The Kotla pitch, which previously renowned in the circuit for being slow and low, has developed into a run-machine pitch as a result. With three fields being utilised for World Cup games, it's possible that the field designated for the India match will only be one of the flat ones.

The team management would be content playing on a pitch that would have something for the spinners and quick bowlers as well, though, knowing Rohit Sharma and his organisation. At Kotla, the pitch would undoubtedly be dry and difficult. What kind of pitch will it be? Everyone will be able to see it there!

It appears that there could be a lot of runs once more, and the side batting second would have the edge due to the "dew factor" given the nature of the work the DDCA has done over the months to prepare the pitch. Naturally, when more matches were played on the Kotla track, the black soil binding would disintegrate and the pitch may become a little slower.

Right now, who wants to take a chance playing a game against Rashid Khan's spin assault for the Afghans. A competition to hit fours and sixes would be preferable. The middle order will once again be expected to make the most of the "Slow Pata" pitch at Kotla since India will obviously be without Shubman Gill at the top.