India head coach Gautam Gambhir Strongly rejected criticism about the Eden Gardens pitch after the hosts’ 30-run defeat South Africa In the initial test. Despite India being bowled out for a disappointing 93 in the fourth innings, Gambhir made it clear that the surface was behaving exactly as the team had requested and insisted that the defeat was due to poor shot selection and delicate nature rather than the condition of the pitch.
Indian batting collapsed under pressure
India’s batting unit, already under question for inconsistent performances in spinning conditions, crumbled under pressure while chasing a modest target of 124 runs. with the captain Shubman Gill Hospitalized with a neck injury and unavailable to bat on the third day, the rest of the team lacked composure and clarity. The team was bundled out for 93 runs in just 35 overs – India’s third-lowest fourth innings total in Test history.
South Africa, determined to end the long-running drought in the subcontinent, demonstrated the discipline the Indians lacked. Temba BavumaAn unbeaten 55 at the start of the day laid the template for batting on a difficult surface, while India found no such support.
This defeat has also raised concerns over India’s recent record at home. This was their fourth defeat in the last six Test matches on home soil, this sequence also includes a 0-3 defeat. new zealand On rank turners last year. The recurring pattern has reopened the debate over whether India’s modern batsmen have gone backwards in their approach to spin.
Also read: Fans rejoice as South Africa ends 15-year drought with stunning win over India in first Test
Gautam Gambhir opens front amid criticism of Eden Gardens pitch
Amid increasing scrutiny on the uneven bounce and sharp turns during the match, Gambhir remained firm in his assessment. He revealed that the team management was fully involved in the pitch preparation process and the curators Sujan Mukherjee India did what was specified.
“It was an unplayable wicket. This pitch is exactly what we asked for and that’s what we got. The curator was very supportive. This wicket tests your mental toughness – those who showed solid defense and discipline scored runs.” Gambhir said in the press conference after the match.
Gambhir strengthened his argument by highlighting the performances of players who showed application despite challenging conditions. he adds: “There were no devils there. Akshar, Temba, Washington – they all scored runs. If it was turning wickets, remember that most of the wickets in the match actually went to the seamers.”
washington beautifulAn innings of 31 off 92 balls was one of the few positives for India, while Bavuma’s calm, controlled 55* set South Africa up for a historic win – their first Test win in India in 15 years.
