Former Australian captain Ian Chappell has criticized the Indian team management for providing "inputs" on pitches after their nine-wicket defeat in the third Test match against Australia. Chappell believes India should not interfere with pitch preparations and reminded them of their two series wins in Australia.
Talking to ESPNCricinfo, Chappell stated that the administrators, players, coaches, and anyone else outside of the curator should not be providing input on the pitch. He further said that the curator should have the liberty to prepare a pitch that they think is suitable, and the players should play on it.
“India need to see the error of their ways. I've talked before about trying to prepare pitches that suit India… have India forgotten that they won the last two series in Australia? I go back to it again, what the hell are administrators, players, coaches, anybody outside the curator (doing?). Why the hell are they having an input for the pitch? It should be left to the curator, let him produce a pitch that he thinks is a good one. Let the players play on it,” Chappell told ESPNCricinfo.
Chappel said that he has no sympathy for India if they have been requesting certain surfaces, and he hopes that the curator tells them to mind their own business.Chappell reminded India of their victories in Australia and the importance of good all-round cricket. He said that India should concentrate on playing their best cricket and let the curator do their job.
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“I've no sympathy for India if they have been asking for certain surfaces. If they ask one for the next Test, you hope the curator just tells them to mind their own business. The Indians need to shut up and get on with the cricket. Really, have they forgotten how they won in Australia? With good all-round cricket," he said
Chappell further added that India is missing Rishabh Pant's contribution on the field. Pant faced severe injuries in a car accident last year and has been away from action. In his absence, KS Bharat is the first-choice wicketkeeper-batter for the side.
The fourth and final Test of the series between India and Australia will take place on March 9 in Ahmedabad. With a win at the Narendra Modi Stadium, India will set up a title clash with Australia in the final of the WTC.
