South Africa’s 30-run victory over India within the opening Check at Eden Gardens has ignited a fierce debate over pitch situations, with Dale Steyn delivering one of many strongest criticisms. Whereas India coach Gautam Gambhir insisted the wicket had ‘no demons,’ Steyn immediately contradicted him, describing the floor as unpredictable, uneven, and very tough for batting. His remarks have added recent depth to discussions round pitch preparation after the match ended inside three days.
Dale Steyn calls out ‘demons’ in Eden Gardens pitch
Reacting to India’s collapse whereas chasing 124, Steyn strongly disagreed with Gambhir’s defence of the wicket. He pointed to a number of situations the place the ball behaved abnormally — spinning sharply previous the bat one second, taking pictures low or skidding onto the pads the following. Steyn defined that such inconsistencies depart batters with no reasonable scoring choices, forcing them into pure defence.
“He stated there weren’t demons within the pitch? I actually noticed quite a bit. When batters don’t have the choice to attain runs, the applying of defence turns into the most important key. That itself means batting is basically tough,” stated Steyn on JioHotstar.
He singled out Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar as the one gamers who confirmed stable software however added that even they appeared susceptible all through the match.
“Even they appeared like they might have gotten out at any time; a ball had their quantity. This wicket actually has demons in it. Any Check match that finishes inside three days has received some demons for positive,” added Steyn.
Additionally READ: Gautam Gambhir shuts down pitch debate after India’s shock defeat in Kolkata Check in opposition to South Africa
How South Africa outplayed India in Kolkata Check
Regardless of being bowled out for 159 of their first innings, South Africa fought again by means of disciplined bowling and composed batting below difficult situations. India managed 189 in response however did not construct a major lead.
The match’s turning level got here within the third innings when South Africa posted 153, driving on captain Bavuma’s resilient unbeaten 55, the one half-century within the Check. His skill to learn the situations and play late proved decisive.
Chasing 124, India have been anticipated to seal the sport, however the South African assault delivered a masterclass in self-discipline and endurance. The Indian high order fell to a mixture of sharp flip and uneven bounce, shedding wickets in clusters. With captain Shubman Gill unavailable to bat as a consequence of a neck harm, the center order lacked stability and folded for 93 in simply 35 overs.
Seamers and spinners shared the spoils, however the standout issue was South Africa’s relentless strain and readability in studying the situations higher than the hosts. The victory marked South Africa’s first Check win in India in 15 years and gave them a 1–0 lead within the two-match sequence.
Additionally READ: Followers erupt as South Africa finish 15-year drought with beautiful win over India within the first Check
