'If it were Virat and Ravi, then definitely it would have been rank turners' - Sanjay Manjrekar on type of pitches in Border Gavaskar Trophy

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy scheduled to begin on February 9, the pitches in use during the series have been under constant discussion. Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar recently came forward and opined that if it was still Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri at the helm, then the pitches would have offered spin from day one.

The pitch that will be prepared for the first Test in Nagpur has been discussed for quite a few days now. Ahead of the start of the series, Australia would be looking to end their drought of winning a series in India, and the pitch would play an important factor in making it possible.

In a discussion with ESPNcricinfo, Sanjay Manjrekar said, "Considering that there is so much build-up and anticipation, and because there is so much respect for the Australian side, India have always wanted or desired pitches that turn from Day 1. That just makes their job a lot easier."

I am not sure, but let us brace ourselves for pitches that will turn from Day 1: Manjrekar

With Rohit Sharma as captain and Rahul Dravid as head coach, 57-year-old Manjrekar admitted to being unsure about how the pitches in the series are going to be curated. In the era where Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri represented India as captain and coach respectively, the team marked its presence around the world and continued its dominance at home.

"If it were Virat and Ravi, then definitely it would have been rank turners, pitches that would turn from the first session. How will this management approach, I am not sure, but let us brace ourselves for pitches that will turn from Day 1," Manjrekar added.

Australia’s record on Indian soil since 2004 has forced them to focus more on spin bowling in order to better prepare for what team India has in store for them. The Australian batters will need to put in a performance of a lifetime if they are to overcome the Indian bowling attack.