"Who asked for this wicket?": India's World Cup winner blames Pune pitch for shocking defeat

Former Indian cricketer Madan Lal has offered a sharp analysis of the Indian cricket team’s performance in the ongoing three-match Test series against New Zealand after they suffered an embarrassing series defeat at home.

The former World Cup winner has pointed out several crucial factors contributing to this unexpected loss to New Zealand. Madan Lal noted that the Indian cricket team has historically enjoyed a strong advantage while playing at home, thanks to the tailored pitches made to their strengths and familiarity with local conditions.

Madan Lal slams Indian cricket team's pitch prep after Test series loss to New Zealand

He also pointed out that the Indian cricket team usually thrives in their home conditions, where the weather and climate are more favorable to their playing style. Given these factors, the expectation was for India to maintain its winning streak on home soil.

However, the former Indian cricketer has expressed his frustration regarding the pitch preparation for the first two Test matches against New Zealand, questioning the reason behind creating a wicket that did not suit the Indian cricket team's strengths both in Bengaluru and Pune.

He suggested that the decision-making around the pitch was questionable, emphasizing that the team's strategic errors in pitch preparation ultimately backfired and they lost the Test series to Kiwis. He believes that on well-prepared pitches, India would have had a much greater chance of success, given their strong pace and spin bowling attack.

I don't know who asked for this wicket: Madan Lal

Madan Lal was quoted as saying by ANI: “At home, we usually win series because the conditions favor us. The pitches suit our style, and we are accustomed to batting and playing here. We are more familiar with the weather and climate. Given all these factors, India generally has the upper hand. We have ourselves to blame.

There was no point in making such a pitch. I don't know who asked for this wicket—whether it was the team management's decision or someone else's. You have a solid team with a strong pace attack and the best spin attack. Yet, we created these pitches and fell into our own trap. On good wickets, we would have certainly won the Test match.”

Shifting his attention to India’s batting lineup, Madan Lal pointed out the poor performance of the top order was the significant factor in their first series loss at home since 2012.

Madan Lal opens up about the public outrage and batting performance against New Zealand

He noted that the success of the Indian cricket team heavily relies on the top five or six batters delivering solid performances. And when they fail to score runs, it puts immense pressure on the entire team.

The former cricketer further noted, “Another reason is that we didn't bat well enough. Our top order didn't perform. When our batters in the top five or six positions perform, we tend to win the Test match. We always have options in bowling because the conditions suit us.”

Speaking about the criticism the team faces, Lal said that people are going to comment when the players don't perform. He added that the same people who praise the players when they score will criticize them when they are out of form. Lal signed off by saying that the few players’ poor form has affected the team.