Cheteshwar Pujara has been known for his poise and patience throughout the years, but after India lost to South Africa by 30 runs in the opening Test match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday, November 16, he appeared visibly upset.
Despite going through a transition phase, the Indian team shouldn’t be losing Test matches at home, the renowned batter said angrily, given the calibre of talent in the team. India is attempting to rebuild in the red-ball arena with the retirements of Ravichandran Ashwin, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli. They drew 2-2 on the tour of the United Kingdom earlier this year, though, and performed admirably against England with a rather young squad.
“This is not something I agree with. During a discussion on Star Sports, Pujara stated, “The Indian team losing in India because of the transition cannot be digested.” “Transition ki wajah se Bharatiya team Bharat mein haare, woh digest nahi ho sakta.”
“It is still acceptable that India lost in England and Australia because of the transitioning phase. However, the first-class records of Shubman Gill, Washington Sundar, KL Rahul, and Yashasvi Jaiswal demonstrate India’s talent and potential. Even with those stellar records, a loss in India indicates a problem,” he continued.
If the game had been played on a good pitch, India would have had a higher chance of winning this Test: Pujara
According to Pujara, India’s home advantage over South Africa was diminished by playing on a rank turner. He said Shubman Gill and company would have had a greater chance of winning if they had taken a good wicket.
“If the game had been played on a good pitch, India would have had a better chance of winning this Test. How are tests defined? Which wickets will give you a better chance of winning? “On such wickets, that percentage drops and the opposition becomes equal to you,” Pujara clarified.
Since 2024, India has suffered its fourth home Test loss. Last October and November, New Zealand thrashed them 0–3. When the Asian heavyweights play the Proteas in the second and final Test match of the series at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, beginning on Saturday, November 22, they will be hoping to recover quickly.
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