Team India’s unexpected 30-run defeat against South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens has triggered sharp reactions across the cricket fraternity. But the strongest comment came from former India stalwart Cheteshwar Pujara, who openly criticised India’s approach and said the team cannot hide behind the “transition phase” excuse anymore.
India, who once dominated almost every home Test, failed to chase even 124 runs on a two-paced turning wicket and were bowled out for just 93. The loss not only shocked fans but raised serious questions on India’s preparation and decision-making.
“Transition is no excuse” – Pujara slams the mindset
Many experts feel India is struggling after the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin from Test cricket. But Pujara refused to accept this logic.
"India losing a test match at home is not acceptable." #CheteshwarPujara says India’s rare home loss has left him upset. 😬
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) November 16, 2025
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He firmly said:
“Saying India is losing because of transition is not acceptable. Losing overseas can happen, but losing at home with this much talent means something is wrong.”
Pujara highlighted that players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill and Washington Sundar have exceptional first-class records. He stressed that India cannot afford to collapse like this on home soil.
Home dominance falling apart
From 2012 to 2024, India had an extraordinary home record:
- 53 Tests
- 42 wins
- 3 losses
- 8 draws
But that aura is fading rapidly. Last year, New Zealand shocked India by winning 3–0, and now, four defeats have come in the last six home Tests under head coach Gautam Gambhir.
South Africa are now close to becoming only the second visiting team to win a Test series in India in over a decade.
Pujara questions pitch preparation: “We made the mistake ourselves”
The Eden Gardens surface came under fire as it produced uneven bounce and excessive turn from Day 1. Pujara believes India hurt themselves by choosing such conditions.
He explained that on a standard Test wicket, India’s chances of winning would have been much higher:
“On good wickets India always dominate. But on such tracks, the opposition becomes equal. We reduced our own advantage.”
South Africa’s spinners also exploited the surface brilliantly, turning India’s own strategy against them.
The Gautam Gambhir era started with high expectations, but India’s home performance has dipped. Experts believe issues in selection, batting approach and pitch decisions need urgent review.
Pujara’s comments reflect the growing sentiment that India’s Test performance requires deep introspection, not excuses.
India now trail the two-match series 0-1, and must win the Guwahati Test to avoid another historic home series defeat. With Shubman Gill’s injury concerns and the team’s fragile batting order, the pressure is at its peak. The coming week will decide whether India bounce back — or whether Pujara’s warning becomes reality.
