Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has called for a return to the style of pitches used during Virat Kohli's captaincy after India's shocking 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Kolkata. The match, which concluded in just three days, marked India's first home Test loss to South Africa in 15 years. The Eden Gardens surface, hosting a Test after six years, faced criticism for excessive turn. Head coach Gautam Gambhir acknowledged the team had requested such a pitch but blamed the batsmen for poor application. Jaffer believes India has not learned from their 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand at home in 2024. He urged management to prepare pitches similar to the 2016-17 season when England and New Zealand toured India, arguing that overly turning tracks reduce the advantage of Indian spinners over opposition spinners.
Call for Classic Indian Pitches After Kolkata Collapse
Jaffer expressed his concerns on social media, stating that India failed to learn from the New Zealand series defeat. He emphasized that pitches with excessive turn narrow the gap between Indian spinners and their opponents. The former opener specifically mentioned the 2016-17 home season under Kohli's leadership as the ideal template. During that period, India dominated England and New Zealand on balanced surfaces that still favored home conditions. Gambhir admitted the team had requested the turning track at Eden Gardens but criticized the batting unit for their inability to handle the conditions. India will look to bounce back in the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium, starting November 22.
Source: Link