Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has defended Indian batters after their crushing defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Kolkata's Eden Gardens. India was bowled out for just 93 runs while chasing a modest target of 124, collapsing inside three days on a spin-friendly pitch. Pietersen attributed the failure to modern batting techniques that prioritize aggressive stroke-play over the art of building innings. He emphasized that today's players grow up focusing on hitting sixes and playing innovative shots rather than learning survival skills against quality spin bowling. The former cricketer refrained from blaming individual players, instead pointing to cricket's current emphasis on entertainment and financial returns. Meanwhile, another former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized India's pitch preparation, stating they deserved to lose. South Africa now leads the two-match series 1-0, with the second Test scheduled to begin in Guwahati on November 22.
Modern Techniques Over Traditional Skills
Kevin Pietersen argued that India's collapse on the turning track reflected broader issues with contemporary batting methods. He noted that batters nowadays focus on hitting sixes and playing switch-hits rather than mastering the fundamentals of building innings. Only Washington Sundar, who scored 31 off 92 balls, displayed the patience needed in challenging conditions. Pietersen stressed that players should not be blamed individually, as cricket has shifted its priorities toward bright lights, loud music, and financial gains for boards and private ownership. The defeat marked India's second-lowest failed chase in Test history. Michael Vaughan, however, criticized India's pitch preparation, calling it deserved punishment against the World Test champions South Africa.
Source: Link