England Vs India 2018: Chandrakant Pandit Reckons Poor Preparations Hit Visitors

The former skipper of Mumbai, Chandrakant Pandit feels that lack of preparations is the main reason behind poor show of Team India against England during the ongoing five-match Test series.

Presently, India’s top domestic coach, Pandit believes that the limited-overs form game is not ideal preparation for a team when it comes to the Test circuit. Indian cricket team did not get ample time to read the severe conditions in the United Kingdom (UK).

The things worsened as India played an only three-day practice match against Essex following unconventional pitch conditions.

Pandit feels that lack of preparations is the main reason behind the poor show of India. While talking with the mid-day, he said,

“We must play at least three to four side games prior to a big five-match Test series to help to get used to English conditions. Though we played a few games in England and Ireland, they were limited overs matches. However, that can’t be considered as ideal preparation for a Test series of this magnitude. We certainly lacked good preparation while heading for the Test challenge.”

Pandit is the former skipper of Mumbai. Besides this, he is a coach of record 41-time Ranji Trophy champions Mumbai.

The former skipper Pandit also led Vidarbha and Rajasthan to win the national championship.

He feels that it was the wrong call from Virat Kohli to drop Chetheshwar Pujara in the first Test.

“We need a player like Pujara in the playing XI. He’s a specialised Test batsman who possesses the best technique to counter swing bowling. The best thing about Pujara is that he is not desperate to do something; he has a lot of patience. We need a batsman like him to stay on the wicket.” said Pandit.

The 56-year-old Pandit who made his Test debut at Leeds in 1986 further talked about the skills of Ajinkya Rahane.

Chandrakant Pandit guided Rahane when the vice-captain of India was leading the Mumbai side. Pandit believes that there is nothing wrong with Rahane. The second will kick off at Lord’s on August 9 (Wednesday) between England and India.

“I have no doubts about Ajinkya’s technique. It would’ve definitely helped had he had a few practice games under his belt. A batsman’s chances of committing mistakes are high when he is not scoring runs. Once he gets some runs, Ajinkya will be as competent as Virat Kohli and can contribute in a similar way.” said Pandit