Team India succumbed to an embarrassing 30-run defeat in the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Sunday (November 16).

The hosts squandered advantage after gaining a handy 30-run lead in the first innings as South Africa set a target of 124 on a crumbling surface. During the chase, India’s innings folded for a paltry 93, conceding an unassailable 1-0 lead to the visitors in the two-match series.

After the result, former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara didn’t mince his words as he slammed the Indian batters for their flop show, citing that they need to find ways to adapt better and score runs on difficult pitches.

“I believe that firstly, we don't know whether the team management actually wanted such a pitch. But whatever the surface is, you need to perform on it and you need to be very well prepared. I would say we should have bowled slightly better and, at the same time, batted better.

“Unfortunately, we were short of one batter. Shubman Gill got injured in the first innings and wasn't available in the second innings as well. That was a big loss for the Indian team. But the Indian batters will have to find a way to score runs on such pitches,” said Pujara on JioStar.

The Test match was over inside three days as pitch deteriorated quickly and batters from both sides found it difficult to deal with spinners.

Only Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma managed to register a 40-plus score in the game, finishing unbeaten on 55 in the third innings. Washington Sundar was the sole Indian batter to cross 30-run mark in the fourth innings, battling his way to 31 off 92 deliveries. 

Pujara, who played 103 Tests for India from 2010 to 2023, reckoned batting coach Sitanshu Kotak should assist the batters in being more proactive with their footwork and range of shots to score runs on turning tracks.

“If the Indian team ends up playing more matches on surfaces like this, then where do the scoring opportunities come from? That is something that needs to be discussed in the team meeting. The batting coach will also have to speak to the batters. They need to use their feet, play the sweep shot, and play a little more positively on such pitches. You need to put the bowler under pressure, and that is something the Indian batters failed to do in this particular Test match.”

The second Test is scheduled to be played at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from November 22-26.