IND vs AUS 2023: We must play well and improve our performance rather than blame pitch – RP Singh

Former Indian fast bowler RP Singh feels the Indian team’s focus should be on their performance and we shouldn’t blame the pitch. India lost the third Test match at Indore by nine wickets after the track drew a lot of flak from all across the globe.

The pitch turned square from the opening session and batting was a difficult task. India was bundled out for a paltry score of 109 runs in the first innings and they could only manage 163 runs in the second essay. Thus, it was a disappointing batting performance from the home team as they couldn’t deliver the goods.

Apart from Cheteshwar Pujara, who scored a gutsy knock of 59 runs in the second innings, none of the Indian batters could get going in the third Test match.

“This is not the first time that the game is over within 2 or 3 days. I think we should not blame any pitch or ground,” said RP Singh, who was present at Pragati Sangha Maidan of Baranagar, Kolkata on Sunday for a specially-abled cricket tournament.

“We must play well and must improve our performance rather than blaming pitches. As both the teams were playing on the same pitch, the better playing team will win the game,” said RP Singh, who was joined by Vinod Kambli at the event.

A win in the Indore Test match would have secured India their berth in the World Test Championship final but they couldn’t seal the spot. India will have to either win at Ahmedabad to confirm their place in the final or depend on New Zealand and Sri Lanka Test series result.

“Chances change in an hour. We cannot say now. So, I hope there is a chance. We cannot predict the 4th Test. But we hope the teams will play well and didn’t collapse like the last test match.”

While India has a potent fast bowling unit and a lot of bench strength, Singh feels there is a dearth of spinners in the squad after Ashwin, Jadeja, and Patel.

“Pace bowling bench strength is very good now. We don’t have many impactful spinners in Team India after Ashwin, Jadeja and Axar Patel. Hopefully, more will come. IPL is a big platform. It has improved our cricket. We get to see skilful players. Previously domestic cricket was limited but after IPL comes it has become one of the finest tournaments.”

The fourth Test match will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad from Thursday.