India did not have enough time to acclimatize to those conditions: Ajit Wadekar

Former Indian captain Ajit Wadekar recently sympathized with the Indian team after their defeat in the Centurion Test. Team India conceded the series with the 135-run defeat in the match. With the defeat, India’s unbeaten streak of 9-series win came to an end. Speaking about the dismal show, the former skipper noted that the Indian side did not have enough time to prepare for the tour.

Ajit Wadekar pointed out that Virat Kohli is an excellent captain and there seems to be nothing wrong with his captaincy. However, it is very tough to win in the South African conditions. In order to do so, the must be well versed with the conditions, which the Indian team lacked big time.

“He (Kohli) is a good captain, but basically (in) South Africa (it) is very difficult to win, because the wickets are very fast. Our team did not have enough time to get acclimatized to those conditions (in South Africa) and that may be the reason (for the loss),” Ajit Wadekar told PTI.

On administration

Speaking further on the same lines, Wadekar hoped that the board and the administrators take a cue from this embarrassment. He rued the fact that the ones who plan out the tours in the Indian cricket have never held the cricket bat in their lives.

“I hope they learn the lesson because, they never seem to be learning the lessons and that’s the problem with them. Most of the guys (who are) in the (Cricket) Board haven’t (ever) handled the bat,” rued Wadekar.

On plans for the final Test

When asked to guess the approach of the team going in to the third Test, Ajit Wadekar noted that it would be great to give the ones warming the bench a chance. He remarked that this is the ideal scenario for the team to see how good are the players who have been out of action from the first two Tests.

“We should try to fight it out. Generally, we play the same eleven and make one or two changes. Now those who are in reserve may be given a chance to see their potential at the highest level…that is very essential,” the former cricketer opined.

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