India vs South Africa: Ahead of 2nd Test, all eyes on the pitch

PUNE: Incessant rain over the past few days here does not seem to have affected the pitch preparations for the second Test between India and South Africa.
Riyaz Bagwan, secretary of organisers Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA), said, "The pitch and the entire centre square was and has been under covers whenever it has rained or has been cloudy. The outfield is sand-based and the drainage system is excellent.So even if it rains, the game can resume within 30 minutes after an interruption, provided it is not raining."
"We also conducted practice matches to see how damp the centre had become after overnight showers. We could start at 9:30 am (usual start time). So, we can say the rain hasn't affected preparations."
The South African team trained on Tuesday but not on the eve of the match. At that time, the strip was baking in the sun and had a green cover.
"If there is grass on the pitch, great! We are used to playing on that but (we) are not planning for that," said Faf du Plessis. India's bowling coach Bharat Arun had said on Tuesday that the team doesn't 'ask' for the kind of wicket they get. "If you want to be No. 1 team in the world, you can't be looking at wickets," he said.
However, once Arun and coach Ravi Shastri started inspecting the pitch, out came the brushes with harsh bristles to scrub the strip; plus a grass cutter to shave off the live grass.
India captain Virat Kohli said: "I don't think the pitch will play that big a factor because when the pitch is damp, it turns as well. It's not that only seamers are predominantly effective."