IND vs SA / Cheteshwar Pujara Slams Team India's Kolkata Test Loss, Says 'Transition No Excuse'

The first Test match between India and South Africa, which commenced on November 14 in Kolkata, witnessed a surprising turn of events that left cricket enthusiasts and experts astonished. Team India had initially maintained a dominant position for the first two days of the match, showcasing strong performances with both bat and ball, leading many to believe a comfortable victory was within reach, while however, the third day proved to be a catastrophic one for the Indian side as their batting lineup crumbled unexpectedly.

Chasing a modest target of just 124 runs, the team was bundled out for a mere 93, ultimately suffering a 30-run defeat. This victory marked a significant and historic achievement for South Africa, as they managed to win a Test match on Indian soil after a long gap of 15 years, a feat that underscored the unexpected nature of India's loss at home. Former Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara, renowned for his steadfast temperament and deep understanding of Test cricket, expressed his profound disappointment and inability to come to terms with Team India's unexpected loss.

He didn't mince words in his criticism, directly admonishing the Indian batsmen for their poor performance and the team's failure to chase a relatively small target, while pujara's reaction highlights the gravity of the defeat, especially considering India's formidable and often impregnable record in home Test matches. His comments reflect a deep concern for the team's current form and the approach adopted by the players.

Rejecting the 'Transition' Excuse

Pujara firmly articulated his stance that while Indian Test cricket might indeed be undergoing a period of transition, this can't and shouldn't be used as an acceptable excuse for losing a Test match on home ground. He drew a clear distinction, suggesting that a loss attributed to transition might be more understandable and acceptable in challenging overseas conditions, such as those encountered in England or Australia, where the environment and pitches are inherently difficult. However, when playing in India, where the team traditionally enjoys a significant home advantage and familiarity with the. Conditions, such a loss, according to Pujara, points to more fundamental issues than merely a team in flux. This perspective underscores his belief in India's inherent strength and the expectation of superior performance in familiar conditions.

Questioning the Team's Core Competence

Following India's 30-run defeat in Kolkata, Pujara voiced his strong disapproval on JioStar, stating unequivocally that he absolutely dislikes the notion of India losing at home due to transition, while he further elaborated on his reasoning, emphasizing that the current team possesses immense talent and capability. He specifically highlighted the impressive first-class records of several key players, including Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill. He also mentioned Washington Sundar, who batted at number three in this particular match, noting his strong domestic record.