India head coach Gautam Gambhir firmly dismissed criticism surrounding the Eden Gardens pitch after the hosts crashed to a 30-run defeat in opposition to South Africa within the opening Take a look at. Regardless of India being bundled out for a dismal 93 within the fourth innings, Gambhir clarified that the floor behaved precisely because the staff had requested and insisted that the defeat stemmed from poor shot choice and fragile temperament quite than pitch circumstances.
Indian batting collapses below stress
India’s batting unit, already below the scanner for inconsistent performances in spinning circumstances, folded below stress within the modest chase of 124. With captain Shubman Gill hospitalised on account of a neck damage and unavailable to bat on day three, the remainder of the lineup lacked composure and readability. The staff crumbled to 93 all out in simply 35 overs — India’s third-lowest fourth-innings whole in Take a look at historical past.
South Africa, decided to finish a prolonged drought within the subcontinent, displayed the self-discipline that the Indians lacked. Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 earlier within the day set the template for batting on the difficult floor, whereas India discovered no such anchor to construct round.
The defeat additionally amplified issues over India’s current file at dwelling. This was their fourth loss within the final six Checks on dwelling soil, a sequence that features the 0-3 drubbing in opposition to New Zealand on rank turners final 12 months. The recurring sample has reopened the controversy about whether or not India’s trendy batters have regressed of their method to spin.
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Gautam Gambhir opens up amid criticism of Eden Gardens pitch
Amid rising scrutiny over the uneven bounce and sharp flip noticed throughout the match, Gambhir remained unwavering in his evaluation. He revealed that the staff administration had been absolutely concerned within the pitch preparation course of and that curator Sujan Mukherjee had delivered exactly what India had specified.
“It was not an unplayable wicket. This pitch is precisely what we requested for and that is what we bought. The curator was very supportive. This wicket checks your psychological toughness — those that confirmed strong defence and self-discipline scored runs,” mentioned Gambhir within the post-match presser.
Gambhir strengthened his argument by highlighting the performances of gamers who confirmed utility regardless of difficult circumstances. He added: “There have been no demons. Axar, Temba, Washington — all of them made runs. If this was a turning wicket, do not forget that a lot of the wickets within the match truly went to the seamers.”
Washington Sundar’s gritty 31 off 92 balls was one of many few positives for India, whereas Bavuma’s calm, managed 55* set South Africa up for his or her historic win — their first Take a look at triumph in India in 15 years.
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