Cheteshwar Pujara Disagrees With Gautam Gambhir: ‘Indian Batters Looked Underprepared’

India ’s shock 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens has reignited an old debate about India’s home pitch strategy. While head coach Gautam Gambhir insisted the pitch “had no demons” and was exactly what the team wanted, former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has publicly disagreed. Calling the Indian batters “underprepared” for the conditions, Pujara said the surface was “clearly tough to bat on” and required a different approach altogether.

The Match That Shocked Fans

South Africa stunned India by winning their first Test in India since 2010, outplaying the hosts on a surface that offered sharp turn and inconsistent bounce from Day 1. Chasing a modest target of 124 runs, India’s batting lineup collapsed for just 93, unable to handle the spin of Simon Harmer, who claimed eight wickets across the two innings.

The defeat not only ended India’s dominance at home but also sparked widespread criticism about the nature of the pitch — one that many felt was “too extreme” even by Indian standards.

Gambhir ’s Defence — “This Is What We Wanted”

Following the loss, Gautam Gambhir defended the team’s decision to play on a turning pitch, saying the curator had prepared the surface exactly as per India’s request.

“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. The curator was very, very helpful, and this is exactly what we wanted. When you don’t play well, this is what happens,” Gambhir said after the match.

He further added that the team should be able to handle turn, especially on home soil.

“You should know how to play turn. This is what we asked for, and this is what we got,” he said firmly, brushing aside suggestions that the pitch was to blame for the defeat.

Pujara’s Counterpoint — “The Batters Looked Underprepared”

However, Cheteshwar Pujara offered a contrasting perspective. Speaking on JioStar, Pujara said that while Gambhir might have wanted a pitch that supports spin, this particular surface made batting excessively difficult.

“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,” Pujara said.

Pujara’s comments underline a growing concern — that India’s batters are losing their traditional strength against spin, even in home conditions.

The Technique Factor — “You Need to Play Differently on Turning Tracks”

Pujara, known for his mastery on slow, spin-friendly surfaces, explained that batting on such wickets requires adaptability. He emphasised that players must innovate instead of relying solely on defensive technique.

“On turning tracks, you need different shot selection — more sweeps, more positive intent to keep the scoreboard moving. Since India prefers spin-friendly pitches, our batters must prepare according to these demands instead of expecting usual batting-friendly surfaces,” he said.

He pointed out that several dismissals were the result of poor shot selection and hesitation rather than just unplayable deliveries.

Bavuma’s Example — How to Score on a Tough Pitch

Pujara praised South African captain Temba Bavuma for showing the right approach to batting on the Eden surface. Bavuma, the only player to cross fifty in the match, demonstrated that runs could be scored with the right intent.

“Temba Bavuma showed that you can score on this surface, but only by playing differently — using sweeps and showing positive intent instead of relying on traditional defence,” Pujara observed.

He added that the usual Test-match method of grinding out an innings simply does not work on such tracks.

The Decline in India’s Spin Batting — A Worrying Trend

Statistics highlight the decline in India’s batting against spin in recent years. Between 2016 and 2019, Indian batters averaged 53.3 at home against spin bowlers — the best in the world. However, from 2020 onwards, that average has dropped dramatically to 33.8, exposing a weakness that was once India’s greatest strength.

This slump, according to analysts, reflects a generation of players more accustomed to flat pitches and limited-overs formats, rather than the long-format grind of subcontinental spin conditions.

The Pitch Controversy — Dividing Opinions Across the Cricket World

The Eden Gardens pitch has polarised opinions within Indian cricket. Some experts support Gambhir’s stance, arguing that India must continue to play on spinning tracks to maintain home advantage. Others, including Pujara, believe that over-prepared surfaces are hurting India’s batters more than they are helping the team’s spinners.

Former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, who currently heads the Cricket Association of Bengal, also weighed in on the matter.

“It wasn’t the best Test wicket, but unfortunately India lost. Gambhir wanted this pitch, but we must also ensure that good cricket is played on surfaces that last five days,” Ganguly told India Today.

Lessons for India — Preparation Over Preference

Pujara’s remarks serve as a crucial reminder that preparation and adaptability are key — not just pitch conditions. If India wants to dominate on spin-friendly wickets, their batters must regain the art of playing spin proactively.

“Batters have to take calculated risks, use sweeps and lofted shots, and play aggressively when the pitch assists spinners,” Pujara advised. “Traditional Test batting becomes impossible when you need to innovate constantly just to score.”

The focus, he suggested, should be on technical readiness and mental intent, not just on creating “turning tracks” that even the home side struggles to bat on.

Looking Ahead — A Chance to Bounce Back in Guwahati

With South Africa leading the series 1–0, India faces a must-win situation in the second and final Test at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, starting November 22. The team, led by Shubman Gill, will look to level the series and restore confidence before their next overseas assignment.

Whether Gambhir continues to back rank turners or opts for a more balanced surface remains to be seen — but the Eden Gardens Test has already ensured that the conversation about India’s home pitch strategy is far from over.