Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer batsman Brad Haddin criticized Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir after the defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Haddin said India harmed its own chances by preparing such pitches which forced their world-class batsmen out of the game.
South Africa won the opening Test by 30 runs on a difficult pitch, where batsmen from both sides struggled to score. The Men in Blue have lost four of their last six Test matches at home during Gambhir’s coaching tenure. They are struggling to win matches despite their previously impressive record on home soil.
Gautam Gambhir – He has done it twice so far under Brad Haddin
India’s recent struggles on turning pitches have been criticized. Brad Haddin said that India are doing themselves a disservice by preparing wickets that do not suit their own strengths.
Speaking on the Willow Talk cricket podcast, Haddin said India traditionally dominate when they post big scores and then squeeze the opponents out with disciplined bowling and strong field placements.
Haddin said, “Under Gambhir, they have done this twice. They play their best cricket when it is not about turning wickets but when it is about putting pressure on the scoreboard with their runs. They have taken their world-class batsmen out of the game.”
He said, “I think they are leaving a lot to chance. India play their best cricket when they put a big score on the board and then they scare the opposition out of their zone. Their spinners are better than anybody on that surface, but their batsmen are not really good players of spin on a surface like that.”
When Virat Kohli took over the captaincy… – Brad Haddin
Brad Haddin said that India’s preference for highly turning pitches makes even average opposition spinners dangerous. Haddin said India found success under Virat Kohli when the team focused on deep batting rather than relying on unpredictable pitches.
Haddin further said, “When Virat Kohli took over the captaincy, he batted long and put pressure on the scoreboard. They are leaving too many chances. It brings the normal spinners into the game.”
He said, “You just have people who can bowl the ball and the wicket will do the rest. I heard that Gambhir came and said that we are happy with the surface we are playing on. He had to suffer the consequences of this against New Zealand also.”
Rishabh Pant was probably not in the team for a long time – Shaun Pollock
South Africa’s legendary fast bowler Shaun Pollock said that players need to look for scoring opportunities and maintain a positive attitude. He said that Rishabh Pant could not last long to change the rhythm.
Pollock said, “I think the mentality on that surface should be where we can score from time to time, how we can look positive. I thought the intensity increased when Jadeja came to the crease. Maybe Pant was not there for long enough.”
He said, “Where are those old Indian batsmen who found ways to dominate in certain conditions, even if it was difficult? You think of VVS Laxman when he played that innings against Australia here. What is happening with these chases now?”
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