New Zealand India by eight wickets in Bengaluru and 113 runs in Pune to take an unassailable 2-0 lead, sealing a historic first-ever series triumph on Indian soil.

While the first Test was played on a seaming pitch, where the hosts were bowled out for a historic low of 46 in the first innings. A turning track was served for the second Test, where India’s two innings folded for 156 and 245.

It remains to be seen what sort of pitch India would serve for the third Test, slated to be held in Mumbai from November 1.

Although the series has been lost, the Rohit Sharma-led side is eyeing nothing less than a victory in the final match to boost their World Test Championship final chances.

According to a TOI report, a 'sporting track' has been prepared at the Wankhede Stadium for the third Test. It will also have some grass and spinners aren't expected to generate turn before the second day's play.

"It will be a sporting track. Right now, there's a bit of grass on the pitch. It's expected to be good for batting on Day 1 but should offer turn to spinners from Day 2," TOI quoted a source as saying.

When the two teams last played a Test at the Wankhede Stadium in December 2021, India outclassed New Zealand to win the match by 372 runs. It was a spin-friendly pitch, where the hosts bowled the Kiwis out for paltry scores of 62 and 167 in two innings.

On the other hand, India racked up 325 and 276/7 (declared) on the board. India’s R Ashwin bagged eight wickets in the match across two innings whereas New Zealand's Ajaz Patel re-wrote history books as he produced figures of 10/ 119 in the first innings before adding four more wickets to his tally.