IND vs SA Tests: Cheteshwar Pujara disagrees with Gautam Gambhir's remark after loss at Eden Gardens

Cheteshwar Pujara (Pic: File Pic)

In the first Test match against South Africa, Team India suffered a loss by 30 runs at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Following the loss, the hosts' head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the team management had asked for such pitch conditions, and the curator gave them exactly what they wanted.

"This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. This is exactly the pitch. And I feel that the curator was very, very helpful. And this is exactly what we wanted. And this is exactly what we got. When you don't play well, this is what happens," said the head coach.

"The point is that you should be able to know how to play turn. And this is what we asked for, and this is what we got. I thought the curator was very supportive," he added.

Speaking on his comments, former Team India Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara said that he disagrees with the head coach and stated that the pitch was tough to bat on.

"I disagree with Gauti bhai that the pitch didn't contribute to India's batting struggles. He felt the team wanted such conditions, but this surface was clearly tough to bat on, no one except Temba Bavuma managed to cross fifty. Indian batsmen looked underprepared for playing on such turning tracks," he said.

Further speaking, Pujara said that the batsmen should adapt to a different approach while batting on such pitches. He also said that the Indian batsmen should prepare themselves according to the conditions as the side demands for such pitches.

"On turning tracks, you need different shot selection, more sweeps, and positive intent to keep the scoreboard moving. Since India prefers spin-friendly pitches, our batters must prepare according to the demands of these spin-conditions instead of expecting usual batting-friendly surfaces," said the veteran of 103 Test matches.

The second Test match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium in Guwahati from November 22. Ahead of the match, the hosts' skipper is likely to miss out on the clash as he has been suffering from neck strain.

(With ANI Inputs)