New Delhi: Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh describes the current state of Test cricket as “the destruction of Test cricket,” attributing it to poorly prepared and overly bowler-friendly pitches, such as the one seen at Eden Gardens. He believes these surfaces hinder the genuine development of players. India faced a 30-run loss while pursuing 124 runs in the first Test against South Africa, which concluded within three days. “They have completely destroyed Test cricket. Rest in peace Test cricket,” Singh stated on his YouTube channel. He criticized the ongoing trend of creating such pitches, noting that while teams may win and bowlers may achieve personal milestones, this does not reflect positively on the sport.
Singh, who took 13 wickets at the same venue during India’s iconic 2001 victory over Australia, emphasized that this issue has persisted for years and is detrimental to the game. He urged a reassessment of these practices, arguing that such pitches do not facilitate player growth. “You are not progressing; it’s like being tied to a mill, going in circles. Winning does not equate to real improvement for cricketers,” he remarked. He expressed concern that players are uncertain on how to score runs, which undermines their skills. “If conditions favor bowlers to the extent that players are dismissed due to the pitch rather than their abilities, then the distinction between a skilled bowler and a skilled batsman diminishes.
It is disheartening to witness the state of Test cricket. I am unsure why this continues,” Singh concluded, having taken 417 wickets in 103 Tests. India is scheduled to face South Africa in the second and final Test in Guwahati starting November 22.