India, Nov. 16 -- Two incontrovertible facts stand out in the wake of the humbling at Eden Gardens on Sunday - this is India's fourth defeat in eight Tests at home since Gautam Gambhir's appointment as head coach, the four wins having come against Bangladesh and West Indies. Secondly, there is a distinct inconsistency in India's pitch policy, which has started to mess with their team selection, affecting their results.

There was an attempt at trying to prepare more balanced pitches against West Indies, with Ahmedabad flattening out after helping seamers at the beginning and Delhi playing low and slow. Ahmedabad lasted three days and Delhi all five days. Both times India didn't see the need to go for six bowling options, keeping Axar Pate...