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India vs South Africa 1st Test: Former England captain Kevin Pietersen has launched a scurrilous attack on 'modern-day techniques' after the collapse to 93 in pursuit of 124 against South Africa in the first Test at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.

Pietersen attributed India's collapse to 93 in chase of 124 against South Africa to a lack of traditional skills, stating batters are now trained to hit sixes and play switch-hits, rather than build innings.

“Just hear me out here: Seeing the wicket first and then the scores and then the result in Kolkata, it can only be put down to batters’ modern-day techniques. Batters grow up now to hit sixes and play switch-hits," Pietersen tweeted on Sunday.

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“They don’t grow up to build an innings and learn the art of survival. This is a fact, as I know what is being taught and I am a part of many player discussions. The player isn’t to blame at all as it is exactly where the modern-day game is," Pietersen wrote.

Pietersen pinpointed the root cause, acknowledging that money is the elephant in the room as it dictates the modern batting mindset.

"The player is not to blame at all as it is exactly where the modern day game is. The priority right now in the game isn't about survival or the art of playing a spinning ball. The game of cricket is now about bright lights, loud music and a financial return for cricket boards, private equity and private ownership." 

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"The elephant in the room is it won't be mentioned cos you just can't talk about money. But, I will, as it is real.  I wish more power to the players to make as much $$$$ as they can, whilst they can.  You're just doing what decision makers are doing but you're just not allowed to talk about it!  Keep hitting sixes and switch-hits and growing your bank accounts, dudes!" he concluded.

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