With rumors swirling of a rank-turner pitch for the third Test at Wankhede Stadium, Indian batters are preparing meticulously to level the series in a must-win match. During practice sessions, Indian team management introduced extended white lines along the off and leg stumps at four practice nets, a technique aimed at enhancing the players' awareness of line and length. The exercise reflects the urgency within the squad, as even experienced batters like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have struggled to find form. Santner's remarkable control was evident in Pune, where he secured 13 wickets with deliveries that consistently hit the same spots but varied unpredictably, turning at times while staying straight at others. This variability created problems for the Indian batting lineup, which had previously faltered against line and bounce in Bengaluru. Head coach Gautam Gambhir is now focused on ensuring his players have the tools to handle similar conditions, both technically and mentally. Assistant coach Abhishek Nayar shared insights into the team's approach, emphasizing the importance of closely observing the bowlers' hands. "You need to understand when certain balls are turning and when others are going straight," Nayar explained. "At that point, it's crucial for a batter to read the ball out of the hand, recognizing the difference between undercut and overspin." Beyond technical adjustments, Nayar believes mental resilience is equally essential. "When you see a ball turning and another going straight on, it can be intimidating. The key is staying focused despite form or conditions, as these factors can play on a batter's mind," he said. To address this, India's preparation included an array of local net bowlers—up to 25 spinners and pacers—to help players adapt over a rigorous three-hour session. Even bowlers like Mohammed Siraj were seen taking batting practice, with Siraj even borrowing Kohli's bat to hit a few shots. The pitch in Mumbai seems primed for spin. A morning inspection showed a healthy grass cover, which was later thinned out by a heavy roller to reduce moisture. While pitch reading is an inexact science, signs indicate that the Wankhede surface will likely favor turn, challenging India to capitalize on their preparations. With conditions set to test their resilience, the Indian team hopes these intensified training sessions and tactical adjustments will pay off when they face New Zealand for the final Test on Friday.