Gambhir Blames India’s First Test Loss on Execution, Not Eden Gardens Pitch
Coach blames players; Kumble, Steyn, Ashwin challenge assessment.
India Head Coach Gautam Gambhir attributed the team’s defeat in the first Test against South Africa entirely to player execution, asserting that the Eden Gardens pitch contained “no demons” despite the match concluding in under three days. Temba Bavuma’s half-century remained the highest individual score across four innings, yet Gambhir maintained that the surface was challenging but manageable with proper application.
During the post-match press conference, Gambhir emphasized that the pitch aligned with the team’s requirements. “It was not unplayable. The curator delivered precisely what was requested. With disciplined batting, runs were achievable,” he stated, acknowledging the lack of flamboyant strokeplay but rejecting descriptions of the wicket as erratic or unfair.
Former India Coach and Spin Legend Anil Kumble expressed astonishment at Gambhir’s characterization. “In my extensive experience at Eden Gardens, no Test pitch has deteriorated this rapidly over three days,” Kumble remarked on JioHotstar. Dale Steyn, the South African pace icon, directly contradicted the “no demons” claim: “Balls were turning sharply or skidding low unpredictably—conditions were exceptionally difficult.”
Also Read: ‘Team Ordered Dry Pitch’: Ganguly Shifts Eden Gardens Blame to Gambhir
Ravichandran Ashwin offered a nuanced critique, declining to classify the surface as a conventional turner. “The preparation was flawed; attempting a spinning track at Eden often results in dangerous unevenness,” Ashwin explained on his YouTube channel, highlighting risks to player safety rather than intentional spin assistance.
The conflicting views have intensified scrutiny on India’s pitch strategy as the series stands at 1-0. Gambhir’s stance reflects a deliberate approach to home advantage, while the legends’ rebuttals underscore concerns over fairness, consistency, and the balance between challenge and playability.
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