Kolkata, India – In the wake of India's stunning 30-run defeat to South Africa at Eden Gardens, a debate has erupted regarding the team's strategy of playing on rank turners at home, with Cheteshwar Pujara weighing in on the controversy following head coach Gautam Gambhir's justification of the pitch. Pujara, known for his calm demeanor, delivered a rare on-air critique, questioning India's reliance on spin-friendly wickets that have, according to him, diminished the role of skill and amplified the influence of luck.
Gambhir, after the match, asserted that the Kolkata pitch was "exactly what we asked for," deflecting blame from the surface and instead pointing towards the batsmen's failure to cope with the challenging conditions. He argued that the wicket was not unplayable and that batsmen with sound defensive techniques should have been able to score runs. Gambhir has long advocated for pitches that offer turn from day one to negate the toss advantage. However, this approach has faced increasing scrutiny as India's home dominance appears to be waning.
Pujara, a veteran of over 100 Test matches, offered a contrasting perspective. While acknowledging Gambhir's viewpoint, Pujara stated, "Luck plays a major part when you are playing on a rank turner". He elaborated that when surfaces offer excessive turn from the outset, batsmen are often forced to play proactively, prioritizing quick runs over building substantial innings. In such conditions, skills are often nullified, and the outcome of a match can become heavily dependent on chance.
"What India needs to do is start playing on a slightly better pitch," Pujara advised. He clarified that he is not against playing on turning tracks but emphasized the importance of finding a balance. Ideally, Test matches should extend into the fourth or fifth day, allowing for a more comprehensive contest between bat and ball. A good pitch, according to Pujara, should reward skill and hard work, enabling batsmen to score centuries if they play well.
Pujara isn't alone in his assessment. Critics have pointed out that India's strategy has backfired in recent times, with the team suffering a series whitewash against New Zealand last year. Moreover, the turning tracks appear to be aiding opposition spinners, narrowing the gap between the sides. Some experts suggest that India's strength lies in its pace attack, spearheaded by Jasprit Bumrah, and that preparing slow, low turners inadvertently neutralizes this advantage.
The debate also extends to the broader implications for Test cricket. The pursuit of World Test Championship (WTC) points has incentivized a "winner-takes-all" mentality, potentially disrupting the balance between bat and ball. There are concerns that excessively bowler-friendly pitches could lead to spectator apathy, further jeopardizing the already challenged format.
As India prepares for the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati, the spotlight remains on the pitch and the team's approach. Whether the team management will heed Pujara's advice and opt for a more balanced surface remains to be seen. The outcome of the series could well hinge on this crucial decision, with the future of India's home dominance and the integrity of Test cricket hanging in the balance.
