The upcoming Test series between India and England is generating considerable buzz, and a key factor in India's potential success, according to a former England star, hinges on the nature of the pitches. With the series marking the start of the new World Test Championship cycle, the conditions under which the matches are played will be crucial.

A recent video shared by journalist Subhayan Chakraborty revealed a pitch with a significant amount of green grass, sparking concerns among fans about its potential impact on batting performance. Many expressed worries about the Indian team's ability to adapt to such conditions, particularly given their limited experience playing on green tops. This series also marks a new chapter for the Indian cricket team, as it is the first without veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have both retired from Test cricket. The team's ability to cope without these two icons, especially on challenging pitches, is a major talking point.

Adding to the anticipation, former India left-arm spinner Venkatapathy Raju believes that Kuldeep Yadav could be India's "surprise package" and a potential match-winner in English conditions. Raju emphasized the importance of the team management backing Kuldeep and clearly defining his role. He argued that Kuldeep offers an "X-factor" and should be the leading spinner in the series. However, it's worth noting that Kuldeep's previous Test appearance in England, back in 2018 at Lord's, was forgettable, as he struggled on a green pitch under rain-affected conditions.

The nature of cricket pitches, particularly in India, often influences match outcomes significantly. Indian pitches are known to impact international matches in various ways. They are generally dry and dusty, leading to more spin and less bounce, which can challenge teams unfamiliar with such conditions. Visiting teams often struggle against the turning ball, which can deteriorate quickly, making batting harder as the match progresses. The expectation is that the grass will be trimmed leading up to the match, but even then, batting will remain a challenge, especially for the visiting players, and they will need to perform at their best to score runs on this surface.

Ultimately, India's chances in the upcoming Test series will depend on their ability to adapt to the pitch conditions and execute their strategies effectively. Whether the pitches favor seam or spin, the team that can best exploit the available conditions is likely to emerge victorious.