Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has lashed out at the Indian team management, including the head coach Gautam Gambhir, after their 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Notably, Gambhir, who attended the post-match press conference, had revealed that they were the ones who asked for that kind of surface at the Eden Gardens. However, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had disclosed that he wanted a sporting wicket to take the game to the fourth and fifth days.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif asserted that Ganguly didn’t want a pitch with uneven bounce. However, he could’ve agreed to Gambhir’s request eventually, but he wouldn’t be happy with the surface they had prepared. Interestingly, the first Test got concluded inside three days, raising serious concerns.
"Ganguly did not want such a pitch either. Since he has become the boss at CAB, he told there will be sporting wickets. I don't think he would have wanted this but he was told to do this. He agreed only because Ganguly had to oblige as Gambhir asked for it. But he would not be happy from within, as Eden Gardens is a historic venue. I think that in future you will never get such a pitch there till Ganguly is there. He made the mistake once but it will not happen again," Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
"You do not have the realisation of your own strength, what is your strength. You think it is South Africa, you will make a turning track, play four spinners and win the match easily. They have played in Pakistan and come, they have won the WTC and come. They know how to adjust to conditions. They came in with better practice than our players. All of them play in the IPL also and have an idea," he added.
Furthermore, Kaif reckoned that the Indian batters were clueless on how to tackle the uneven bounce on the Eden surface, courtesy of too much white-ball cricket being played of late.
"123 should have been chased. Why is it not happening? We do not play on such pitches so we must not give such pitches at all. There is no rhythm, no idea about how to defend on these tracks. We are playing white-ball and hitting sixes and getting ready,” he concluded.
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“He made the mistake once” - Ex-Indian cricketer opens up on Gautam Gambhir and Sourav Ganguly’s pitch comments
Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif commented on the Gambhir vs Ganguly pitch feud, suggesting Ganguly agreed to the extreme pitch request but felt it was a "mistake." Kaif confirmed Ganguly "had to oblige as Gambhir asked for it" but will not want to repeat the error of a 3-day Test finish.
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has lashed out at the Indian team management, including the head coach Gautam Gambhir, after their 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Notably, Gambhir, who attended the post-match press conference, had revealed that they were the ones who asked for that kind of surface at the Eden Gardens. However, the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) had disclosed that he wanted a sporting wicket to take the game to the fourth and fifth days.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif asserted that Ganguly didn’t want a pitch with uneven bounce. However, he could’ve agreed to Gambhir’s request eventually, but he wouldn’t be happy with the surface they had prepared. Interestingly, the first Test got concluded inside three days, raising serious concerns.
"Ganguly did not want such a pitch either. Since he has become the boss at CAB, he told there will be sporting wickets. I don't think he would have wanted this but he was told to do this. He agreed only because Ganguly had to oblige as Gambhir asked for it. But he would not be happy from within, as Eden Gardens is a historic venue. I think that in future you will never get such a pitch there till Ganguly is there. He made the mistake once but it will not happen again," Mohammad Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
"You do not have the realisation of your own strength, what is your strength. You think it is South Africa, you will make a turning track, play four spinners and win the match easily. They have played in Pakistan and come, they have won the WTC and come. They know how to adjust to conditions. They came in with better practice than our players. All of them play in the IPL also and have an idea," he added.
Furthermore, Kaif reckoned that the Indian batters were clueless on how to tackle the uneven bounce on the Eden surface, courtesy of too much white-ball cricket being played of late.
"123 should have been chased. Why is it not happening? We do not play on such pitches so we must not give such pitches at all. There is no rhythm, no idea about how to defend on these tracks. We are playing white-ball and hitting sixes and getting ready,” he concluded.
Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!