NEW DELHI: Former India batter Cheteshwar Pujara dismissed suggestions that India’s heavy defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens was due to a transition phase. He said that while rebuilding struggles overseas may be acceptable, losing at home — especially with a squad packed with proven first-class performers — cannot be excused.Highlighting talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar and Shubman Gill, Pujara stressed that India have enough quality to succeed in the longest format.
“I don’t agree with the view that India’s defeat at home can be attributed to a transitional phase. While it’s understandable to face setbacks abroad during a transition period, the current Indian side possesses ample talent and strong first-class records — players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, and Shubman Gill have all proven themselves,” Pujara told Jio Hotstar.“If the team is losing in home conditions despite this, it suggests that something else is wrong. Had this match been played on a good pitch, India’s chances of winning would’ve been much higher.”Even as head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the surface — where wickets tumbled in clusters — Pujara insisted such pitches only hurt India.“The nature of such wickets reduces our winning percentage and brings the opposition on a level footing. Even an India A team, given the depth of talent, could challenge South Africa at home. So it’s not lack of ability. Therefore, blaming transition for this defeat in India isn’t justifiable,” he said.
