Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has called for a shift in pitch preparation strategy following India's crushing 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. The match, which concluded within three days, saw India suffer their first home Test loss to South Africa in 15 years. Jaffer criticized the excessive turn on the Kolkata surface, noting it reduced the advantage Indian spinners typically hold over visiting teams. He urged the team management and curators to return to the style of pitches prepared during Virat Kohli's captaincy, particularly the 2016-17 home season when England and New Zealand toured India. Head coach Gautam Gambhir admitted the pitch was prepared as requested but expressed disappointment with the batsmen's application. India will seek redemption in the second Test at Guwahati's Barsapara Cricket Stadium, starting Saturday, November 22.
Call to Return to Virat Kohli Era Pitches
Wasim Jaffer expressed concern that India has not learned from their 0-3 series whitewash against New Zealand at home in 2024. He specifically referenced the 2016-17 season under Virat Kohli's leadership when England and New Zealand toured India. Jaffer argued that surfaces with excessive turn diminish the gap between Indian spinners and opposition spinners, reducing home advantage. The Eden Gardens pitch, hosting a Test after six years, drew heavy criticism for the amount of turn it offered. Despite Gautam Gambhir's admission that the pitch met their specifications, Jaffer believes returning to classic Indian pitches that offer balanced conditions would better serve the team's interests moving forward.
Source: Link