Gautam Gambhir shuts down the pitch debate after India’s shock defeat in the Kolkata Test against South Africa

India head coach Gautam Gambhir Criticism surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch was firmly dismissed after the hosts crashed to a 30-point defeat South Africa in the opening test. Despite India being bowled out for a dismal 93 in the fourth innings, Gambhir clarified that the surface behaved exactly as the team requested and emphasized that the defeat was a result of poor shot selection and fragile temperament rather than the field conditions.

Indian batsman collapses under pressure

The Indian batting unit, already under the scanner for inconsistent performances in spinning conditions, succumbed to pressure in the modest chase of 124. Captained Shubman Gill Hospitalized due to a neck injury and unavailable to bat on day three, the rest of the line-up lacked composure and clarity. The team slumped to 93 all out in just 35 overs – India’s third-lowest fourth-innings total in Test history.

South Africa, determined to end the long drought in the subcontinent, showed the discipline that the Indians lacked. Temba Bavuma‘s unbeaten 55 earlier in the day provided the template for batting on the tricky surface, with India finding no such anchor to build around.

The defeat also reinforced concerns about India’s recent home record. This was their fourth defeat in the last six Tests on home soil, a series that included the 0-3 thrashing against New Zealand on rank turners last year. The recurring pattern has reopened the debate on whether modern Indian batsmen have regressed in their approach to spin.

Also READ: Fans erupt as South Africa ends 15-year drought with stunning win over India in first Test

Gautam Gambhir opens amid criticism on the Eden Gardens pitch

While increasing attention was paid to the uneven bouncing and sharp cornering witnessed during the match, Gambhir remained firm in his assessment. He revealed that the team management was fully involved in the field preparation process and was the curator Sujan Mukherjee had delivered exactly what India had specified.

“It was not an unplayable wicket. This pitch is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got. The curator was very helpful. This wicket tests your mental toughness – those who showed solid defense and discipline scored runs,” said Gambhir in the post-match presser.

Gambhir strengthened his argument by highlighting the performances of players who showed commitment despite challenging circumstances. He added: “There were no demons. Axar, Temba, Washington – they all made runs. If this was a turning wicket, remember that most of the wickets in the match actually went to the seams.”

Washington Sundar‘s gritty 31 off 92 balls was one of the few positives for India, while Bavuma’s calm, controlled 55* set South Africa up for their historic win – their first Test triumph in India in 15 years.

Also WATCH: IND vs SA – Mohammed Siraj splits Simon Harmer’s stump in two with dream delivery on day 3 of first Test