“Finally, I am going to be a part of a Test match”, beamed Pandurang Salgaoncar, the curator at the Maharashtra Cricket Association stadium. A few days ago, the 67-year-old, who was once counted among the fastest bowlers in India, was expecting the opening Test of the India – Australia series to be his special day. However, things now seem to have gotten bitter for the veteran of Maharashtra cricket as criticism surrounding the pitch has now begun to mount on him.

Things looked normal from Indian fans’ perspective on Day 1 even though Australia collided badly against spin after a good start. But when Steve O’Keefe rattled India within 39 minutes after the lunch session on Day 2, the heat was turned on and everyone was speaking about Pandurang.

O’Keefe picked up 6/35 as the hosts collapsed to 105 all out in the Pune Test, giving Australia a vital 155-run lead. In the post lunch interval, India lost 7 wickets for 11 runs in 48 deliveries. It should be fair to say the pitch is deteriorating at an alarming speed and batting seems like a highly tough job for both teams.

The pitch is hard in the middle but is dry at fuller lengths for spinners at either ends. Even the MCA insiders reveal the nature of the wicket changed drastically ever since India started training at the stadium on Sunday.

At the end of Day 1, when asked if Pandurang has received any message from the team management on the nature of the strip for the opening Test against Australia, he said:

“Nobody can pass any message to me about my job.”

“I am confident it will be a five-day game,” he says. Irrespective of the result, Salgaoncar will surely have a memorable debut!

However, it seems prophecy won’t come true. Twitter was unforgiving and joined into troll the venue. Here are some of the interesting ones.

https://twitter.com/dannyxK_/status/835063810352373760

https://twitter.com/Mr_Vakil/status/835062625742499841

The pitch in Pune is like my new year's resolution. #IndvAus

— Shivam Patel (@ShivamPatel1553) February 24, 2017

It's all happening at the MCA stadium in Pune ..the pitch is "Mahashivratri Special" all the batsmen are doing "Taandav"#IndvAus

— MAEkyaBoltaai (@stalreja112) February 24, 2017

https://twitter.com/faisalgnb/status/835056207681445888

Meanwhile Pune Pitch Curator found missing 🙂 #IndvAus

— Mandaar ?? (@mandaar88) February 24, 2017

22 wickets in 5 sessions.
13 in 2 sessions today. #Pune #IndvAus
"It won't turn alarmingly. I have prepared a pitch for cricket." pic.twitter.com/rSs6sGptd1

— Loshan – ARVLOSHAN (@ARVLoshan) February 24, 2017

Pathetic to see such a #CattleField pitch at #Pune #India dig holes for themselves.
Pls don't make such a #Horrible pitch anymore..

— Arjun A M (@ImAju555) February 24, 2017