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"I don't agree that India are losing at home because of transition": Cheteshwar Pujara blasts team India
In an unprecedented moment, Cheteswar Pujara has unleashed a scathing attack on Team India following their 30-run defeat to South Africa on Sunday in the first Test in Kolkata. India registered a shocking defeat after being bowled out for 93 in their chase of 124, handing South Africa their first Test win on Indian soil in 15 years.
India are going through a transition period, but the manner in which they lost the match was quite stunning and prompted Pujara to come hard on the side. Pujara said the pitch was undeniably challenging, but it was no justification for a collapse of this magnitude.
"See, I don't agree that India are losing at home because of transition. I can't digest that. If India lose in England or Australia because of transition, it could be acceptable. But this team has the talent and potential. You look at the first-class record of all the players – Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, and Shubman Gill. In this match, Washington Sundar batted at No. 3. All players' records are so good, and despite that, if we are losing at home, that means something is wrong," Pujara said on JioStar after India lost by 30 runs in Kolkata.
"If you had played the same match on a good wicket, India would have had a greater chance of winning this match. How do you define Test cricket? If you pit the India A team against South Africa A, even that could beat South Africa. There's so much talent in India. So if you say this loss is because of transition, it's not acceptable," Pujara said.
Surprisingly, this was India's fourth Test defeat at home since 2024. Last year, they were whitewashed by New Zealand 0-3 in a three-match series. Meanwhile, the second and final Test between India and South Africa will begin on November 22 in Guwahati.
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