Former Indian batsman Mohammad Kaif has blamed Rishabh Pant for India’s embarrassing 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening match of the two-match Test series at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on November 16.
While many criticized Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir for preparing such a poor surface for the first Test at the Eden Gardens, Kaif feels it was Rishabh Pant’s leadership that cost the hosts a big price.
Mohammad Kaif criticizes Rishabh Pant’s captaincy in India’s crushing defeat at Eden Gardens
Shubman Gill was forced to retire hurt early in the first innings, Rishabh Pant had to step in as stand-in captain, and Kaif believes his field placements and tactical decisions cost India crucial moments against South Africa on an already difficult surface in Kolkata.
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The former Indian batsman has revealed that the South African team was struggling at 91/7 in the second innings, yet they were allowed back to 153 at the Eden Gardens due to easy singles and poor fielding.
India’s four spinners bowled on a turning pitch, but the visitors kept taking singles at will, exposing the flaws in Pant’s strategy.
Mohammad Kaif said in a video on his YouTube channel, “We gave them too many singles. Is it easy to score runs against four spinners on a turning track? Keep mid-on, bring up the points and ask the batsmen to take up the challenge. The fielders were behind and 70-80% of their runs came in singles. In the absence of Gill, Pant kept in-and-out fielding and that also had an impact. It also took some time for him to understand things.”
Mohammad Kaif calls Shubman Gill’s absence a big blow in India’s Kolkata Test defeat
Kaif also highlighted the wider impact of Shubman Gill’s disappearance. He believed Gill could have provided stability and possibly changed the game, but his absence put pressure on India while chasing a modest target of 124.
Ultimately, India were bowled out for 93, giving South Africa a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series. The final test is to be held in Guwahati from 22nd November. He further said, “If Gill had been there, it would have made a difference. He could not play both the innings. If we had got a better lead, say 50, 60 or 100 runs, we would have knocked South Africa out of the game right there.”
This was a mistake. His absence on the field as captain was also a shortcoming. He did not chase the target in the second innings. So, there is definitely a direct connection, because Gill is one of our best batsmen at the moment. He is also in form; A player like this can save you in such situations.”
Also read: Travel dates revealed, Shubman Gill confirmed for Guwahati Test against South Africa
Mohammad Kaif praised Temba Bavuma’s captaincy
Meanwhile, Mohammad Kaif praised South African captain Temba Bavuma for his smart captaincy and tactical moves. Washington Sundar was out for 31 during India’s chase but Bavuma brought in Aiden Markram at the right time and dismissed the Indian all-rounder and that was the turning point of the game at the Eden Gardens.
Additionally, Kaif highlighted that South Africa’s strength lay in their fast fielding and intelligent bowling changes. Even without their star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, Bavuma’s leadership and the team’s fielding helped them take a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series.