Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has defended Indian cricketers following their humiliating three-day defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. India collapsed while chasing just 124 runs, getting bowled out for 93—their second-lowest failed chase in Test history. Pietersen argued that modern batting techniques, focused on hitting sixes and playing aggressive shots rather than building innings, contributed to the collapse. He clarified that players should not be blamed, as cricket today prioritizes commercial aspects like financial returns and entertainment over survival skills against quality spin. Meanwhile, former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized India for preparing such a pitch, stating they deserved to lose against the World Test Champions. South Africa now leads the two-match series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Guwahati on Saturday, November 22.
Pietersen Blames Modern Techniques, Not Players
Kevin Pietersen attributed India's shocking collapse on Day 3 to contemporary batting methods that emphasize aggressive strokeplay over innings construction. With only Washington Sundar scoring 31 off 92 balls, no other Indian batter displayed necessary resolve on the turning pitch. Pietersen explained that today's cricketers grow up learning to hit sixes and switch-hits rather than mastering survival against spin bowling. He emphasized that players shouldn't face criticism because cricket now revolves around entertainment, bright lights, loud music, and financial gains for boards, private equity, and ownership groups. The priority has shifted away from traditional skills needed to counter quality spin on challenging surfaces like the rank turner at Eden Gardens.
Source: Link