Harbhajan says such wickets can damage Test cricket future

Dubai: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh criticised the pitch used for the first Test against South Africa, warning that such surfaces could damage the future of the format.

“Only two days have passed and everyone can already see where this match is heading,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel. “They’ve effectively done RIP to Test cricket. I don’t think the format holds any value on such pitches. Look at how India played in England recently — everyone praised them for their fight and the quality of cricket. That is what Test cricket should be.”

The match finished early on the third day. Chasing 124 after bowling South Africa out for 153 in the second innings, India’s batting collapsed once again, with only Washington Sundar (31) offering resistance. The rest fell to a relentless Proteas attack, led by off-spinner Simon Harmer.

Harbhajan — who took 13 wickets at the same venue during India’s iconic 2001 win — said even greats like Sachin Tendulkar or Virat Kohli would struggle on such an unpredictable surface.

“This pitch is absurd. You land the ball in one spot and it turns or bounces unpredictably,” he said. “Batters have no clue. Even someone like Sachin or Kohli wouldn’t survive because one delivery keeps low, the next jumps, another turns sharply. Technique means nothing — only the pitch decides your wicket.”

He added that while pitch issues weren’t new, they had now reached an unacceptable level. “People tell me not to talk about it, but we’ve never seen conditions prepared this poorly. It’s pathetic — utter nonsense. They’re making a mockery of the game.”

Fans, too, were left frustrated, pointing to complacency, flawed tactics and a growing vulnerability against spin. One user on X wrote, “India’s weakness against spin is being completely exposed. We were whitewashed by New Zealand last year at home, but our spinners have masked the deeper batting issues.”

Another fan argued that India now fares better on bouncy, green pitches than rank turners: “A solid defence and precise shot selection are critical in the subcontinent. We’re no longer a strong side at home.”

Many felt the team lacks the stability it once had. “Indian batsmen are no longer great against spin. The days of Pujara and Rahane are gone,” read one reaction. Others criticised selection and pitch preparation, recalling the earlier 3—0 defeat to New Zealand: “This is deserved when you don’t learn from past mistakes.”

“Pujara, Virat, Rahane … that era of excellence is gone,” another fan lamented. “We keep trapping ourselves.”

Some also mocked India’s performance, with one calling South Africa’s 30-run win at Eden Gardens “a statement”, while another wrote, “What a match — Gambhir adds another humiliating loss.”

Amid the criticism, fans praised South Africa’s discipline and leadership. Many applauded captain Temba Bavuma for guiding his team to a controlled victory. “Hats off to SA! My respect for Bavuma keeps growing. India’s frailties against spin exposed yet again,” one user wrote.

Another added, “Bavuma is the Iron Man — quiet, determined, and delivers results. His gritty knock made the difference against this clueless Indian T20-style batting lineup.”