India’s continued insistence on preparing spin-heavy pitches is once again under fire after their batting collapse in the Kolkata Test against South Africa. Chasing just 124, India were bowled out for 93 — their fourth home Test defeat in the last 12 months on a surface designed to assist spin.
Pitch Strategy Under Scrutiny After Kolkata Collapse
While India’s batting lacked application, the pitch itself has sparked widespread criticism. The Eden Gardens wicket offered sharp turn and inconsistent bounce from Day 1, prompting many former cricketers to question the long-term direction of Indian Test cricket.
Among them is Harbhajan Singh, who delivered a scathing assessment on his YouTube channel.
Harbhajan Singh: “Rest in Peace, Test Cricket”
The legendary spinner did not hold back, saying India’s approach is damaging the purity and competitiveness of Test cricket.
“They (India) have completely destroyed Test cricket. Rest in peace, Test cricket,” Harbhajan said.
He added that the obsession with rank turners has existed for years but has been ignored because India kept winning.
“No one talks about it because the team is winning, someone is taking wickets, someone is becoming great by taking those wickets. But this practice has been going on for many years, and I feel it is the wrong way of playing.”
- “Ghar Aate Hi Nikamma Kaam” — Harbhajan Questions India’s Choices
Harbhajan argued that such pitches stunt the growth of Indian cricket rather than helping it.
“We lost to New Zealand and then again we’ve prepared such pitches. We played so well in England and after that… ghar aate hi nikamma kaam. Why are we doing this?”
He stressed that India have world-class batters, elite spinners, and a strong pace attack capable of winning anywhere. Yet, they continue to create conditions that trouble their own players more than the opposition.
“You will end up winning in five days, but you must prepare good pitches. You are not moving forward—you’re just going around in circles like an ox tied to a mill.”
“Batsmen Look Like They Don’t Know How to Bat”
The former off-spinner believes these surfaces make Indian batters appear clueless, not because of a lack of skill, but because the pitch becomes the primary factor in dismissals.
“It is high time to reflect. These pitches make your batsmen unsure of how to score runs and make them look like they do not know how to bat.”
He questioned what value remains in the contest when the pitch, not the bowler’s skill or batter’s technique, determines the outcome.
“What difference remains between a capable bowler and a capable batsman if conditions become so favourable that players get out because of the pitch? It’s sad to see how Test cricket is being played. I don’t know why we are doing this.”
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