KKR star orders Gautam Gambhir to learn from Virat Kohli to save India’s Test team

Former Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) cricketer batter Brad Haddin slammed Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir after their loss to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Haddin stated that India hurt their own chances by preparing pitches that took their world-class batters out of the game.

South Africa won the opening Test by 30 runs on a tough pitch where batters from both sides struggled to score. The Men in Blue have lost four of their last six Tests at home under Gambhir’s coaching tenure. They have been struggling to win matches despite their previously dominant record on home soil.

They've Done it Twice Now under Gautam Gambhir - Brad Haddin

India’s recent struggles on turning pitches have come under criticism. Brad Haddin stated that India are hurting themselves by preparing wickets that don’t suit their own strengths.

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Speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket Podcast, Haddin said that India traditionally dominate when they post big totals and then squeeze opponents with disciplined bowling and strong field placements.

"They've done it twice now under Gambhir. They play their best cricket when, its not about turning wickets but building scoreboard pressure with their runs. They have taken their world-class batters out of the game," Haddin said.

"I just think they are leaving too much to chance. India play their best cricket when they put a big total on the board and then they make the opposition claustrophobic with their fields. Their spinners are better than anyone on that surface but their batters are actually not that good players of spin on a surface like that," he added.

When Virat Kohli Took Over as Captain... - Brad Haddin

Brad Haddin said that India’s preference for extreme turning pitches allows even average opposition spinners to become threatening. Haddin added that India had succeeded under Virat Kohli when the team focused on batting deep rather than relying on unpredictable pitches.

"When Virat Kohli took over as captain back then, they batted long and put scoreboard pressure. They are leaving too much to chance. It brings ordinary spinners into the game," Haddin further stated.

"You just have people who can throw the ball and the wicket will do the rest. I heard that Gambhir came out and said we are happy with the surface we are playing on. This cost them against New Zealand as well," he added.

Rishabh Pant Probably Wasn’t There for Long Enough - Shaun Pollock

South Africa pace legend Shaun Pollock said that players needed to look for scoring opportunities and maintain a positive approach. He added that Rishabh Pant didn’t stay long enough to shift the momentum.

“I think on that surface the mindset had to be where can we score from time to time, how can we look to be positive. I thought the intensity went through the roof when Jadeja got to the crease. Pant probably wasn’t there for long enough," Pollock said.

"Where are those old Indian batters who on certain conditions, even though its difficult, found ways of dominating? You think of VVS Laxman, when he played that innings here against Australia. What’s happening with these chases now?," he added.

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