Sourav Ganguly has entered the pitch argument, acknowledging that the Eden surface was far from ideal but emphasizing that a world-class Test team should never falter in quest of 124, as India’s home aura continues to disintegrate.
“There is no controversy. It was not the best Test wicket, but unfortunately India lost. They still should have got 120. It wasn’t the greatest Test pitch. Gambhir said they wanted such a pitch and that they themselves instructed the curator,” Ganguly told reporters after the match.
“Yes, that is true — instructions were given, and I’ll just repeat what I said earlier. I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well for India in England, in ODIs, in T20 cricket. We will continue for a while, but we must play on good pitches,” he added.
In addition to commending Gambhir’s efforts as India’s head coach, Ganguly emphasized Mohammed Shami’s importance to the Test team, sending a strong warning that India shouldn’t ignore their seasoned fast bowler.
“He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. Spinners, who win Test matches for them.”
Ganguly also offered the Test team some advice on how to approach a match.
“Win Test matches in five days, not three days,” Ganguly said.
In the previous six Test matches, including the 0-3 disaster against New Zealand on turning tracks in Pune and Mumbai last year, this was India’s fourth home defeat. The argument about Indian hitters’ performance on turn-producing tracks has been rekindled with the defeat.
