IND vs SA: “When you don’t play well, this is what happens” - Gautam Gambhir shockingly blames India batters and defends pitch after humiliation in Kolkata

Gautam Gambhir said that the Eden Gardens pitch is exactly the surface they want to play their games at home.

Indian Cricket Team head coach came out in the defence of the pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and blamed the batters for the team’s poor loss in the first test against the South African Cricket Team. The hosts faced a poor 30-run loss in a game that ended inside three days. 

The Eden Gardens pitch played in a very uncharacteristic way, favouring bowlers right from day one. It was a struggle for batters of both teams as neither of the teams could go past 200 runs on the board across four innings. 

South Africa, who batted first, posted 159 runs in the first innings with Aiden Markram (31) being the top run-getter. For India, KL Rahul shone with 39 as they posted 189 on the board, taking a lead of just 30 runs on the board. 

In the second innings, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma showed everyone how to bat on a track that offered sharp turn and uneven bounce. He slammed an unbeaten 55 to take his team to 153 and set a target of 124 for India to chase.

The Indian batters had a torrid time in the chase, failing to tackle Simon Harmer. Washington Sundar (31), who was the only batter to play over 150 balls in the match, showed grit but couldn’t take his team home. 

Axar Patel (26) hit some blows in the end but perished as South Africa bundled out India for 93 to win the game by 30 runs.  

The pitch came under a lot of scanner across all three days but for India head coach Gautam Gambhir, it was exactly the pitch they were looking at. He blamed the team, saying that this is what will happen when players don’t play well. 

“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. I feel the curator was very helpful, and this is exactly what we wanted and exactly what we got. When you don’t play well, this is what happens,” Gambhir said at the post-match press conference.

There were no demons in this wicket – Gautam Gambhir 

Gautam Gambhir pointed out that there were no demons in the wicket, highlighting how Temba Bavuma, Washington Sundar and Axar Patel scored runs. He concluded by saying that it was a surface for batters to test their temperament. 

“There were no demons in this wicket. It was not unplayable. Temba Bavuma scored runs, and Axar and Washi also scored runs. The point is, there is no use talking about the pitch all the time. The majority of the wickets have gone to seamers. I don’t think it was a difficult wicket. 

“This was a surface where your technique was tested, your mental toughness was challenged, and if you had the temperament to grind and bat long, you could score runs. But if you tried to play attacking cricket, then it became difficult.”

The focus will now shift towards the second IND vs SA test, which will be played from 22nd November in Guwahati. 

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram.