With the second Test between India and South Africa just around the corner, the pitch discussion has once again taken center stage. The Indian team management has altered its pitch request for the third time in recent weeks. Earlier, India had asked for batting-friendly tracks for the West Indies series. Then, in the Test against South Africa in Kolkata, the team wanted a spin-friendly pitch. That move did not work well, and the request has now been changed again. This time, India have asked for a red soil surface in Guwahati. A red soil surface is expected to offer pace and bounce. Ashish Bhowmick reportedly has been informed of the team’s fresh request, as the head curator at Barsapara Cricket Stadium and also the head curator of the BCCI. Also Read | Rishabh Pant Close to India Test Feat Held Only by MS Dhoni First Look at the Guwahati Pitch Less than 48 hours to go for the second Test, the first pictures of the Guwahati pitch are out. The centre area of the surface has a tinge of green, well in keeping with the characteristics of a red soil pitch. Pitches made of red soil generally assist fast bowlers with good carry and bounce. 🚨 PITCH FOR THE GUWAHATI TEST 🚨 [📸: Debasis Sen from RevSportz] pic.twitter.com/OQrS7ZmkTr — Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) November 20, 2025 Red soil pitches don't break like black soil tracks early on. This should make batting a bit easier in the first part of the Test, but spin could still come into play depending upon how much grass is trimmed. Spinners may get help later in the match if the grass is not cut much. If it's heavily trimmed, the spinners might just start getting some assistance a bit earlier, but the turn will be at pace. The batters may not fully enjoy the bounce, but this should be a more even contest than what we witnessed at the Eden Gardens. Also Read | Released all-rounder's U-turn in India squad amidst Gill-dilemma from Guwahati Test Balanced Pitch Expected for Guwahati's First Test This will be a first-time Test match in Guwahati, and BCCI does not want any negative talk concerning the surface. Following the flak that the pitch in Kolkata received, the board is eager to roll out a pitch that gives a fair balance between bat and ball. The coming Test between India and South Africa will offer a better contest with pace, bounce, and some spin, as well as a fresh start after the setback in the first outing.