IND vs SA: "Losing at home is not acceptable.." - Cheteshwar Pujara blasts at Gautam Gambhir & Co for 'something wrong' following Eden Gardens defeat

Cheteshwar Pujara said he cannot digest the fact that India lost a test matches at home due to transition.

Cricketer-turned-commentator Cheteshwar Pujara has attacked Indian Cricket Team following their loss against South Africa Cricket Team in the first test at Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. The former test specialist said that India’s defeat in test matches at home is unacceptable, terming the Eden Gardens’ pitch as a big reason behind defeat.

The hosts lost the first test match by 30 runs after failing to chase down a 124-run target. With a four-wicket haul by Simon Harmer and two wickets each by Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen, South Africa bowled out Shubman Gill-less Indian side for just 93 runs.

The Eden Gardens pitch became the talk of the town with the clash ending within three days, and batters struggling to score runs on a wicket that offered uneven bounce and turn. Both teams failed to cross even the 200-run mark across four innings, with many key batters losing their wickets for single digits.

I cannot digest the fact that India will lose at home: Cheteshwar Pujara

Speaking on Star Sports after the first test, Pujara said that India’s defeat in test matches at home is unacceptable. Pujara, who is part of the commentary panel in India vs South Africa test series, blamed Eden Gardens’ pitch as a big factor behind the team’s defeat. He also believes that India would’ve won the clash if they had played on a better pitch.

“I do not agree that just because of the transition, India will lose at home. I cannot digest the fact that India will lose at home. It is okay if they lose in Australia or England, but with the talent this new team possesses, India losing at home is not acceptable. Look at the first-class records of all the players: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, every one of them has such a good record!” Pujara said.

“Despite that, if we are losing, it means something is wrong. If we played this match on a good wicket, then India might have won the game. So how do you define Test cricket? On this type of pitch (Eden Gardens), the opponent gets an equal opportunity as us. So play on good pitches. We have so much talent that even India A can win a match against South Africa. So hearing that India lost because of transition is not an excuse at all!” he added.

In the post-match presentation, India head coach Gautam Gambhir said that there were no issues with the pitch and it was according to their demand.

Meanwhile, India will aim for a comeback in the second test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, which will commence on December 22. Shubman Gill is highly likely to miss the next clash after sustaining a neck injury in the opening game.

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