‘This is what we wanted’: Head coach Gautam Gambhir hits out at on-field critics after India lose after 30 runs | Cricket News
South Africa stunned India by 30 runs in the opening Test at Eden Gardens on Sunday, claiming their first victory on Indian soil in 15 years and reigniting uncomfortable questions about the hosts’ resistance to quality spin on home tracks. Chasing 124, India retreated for 93 in just 35 overs, never regaining the method or composure that South African skipper Temba Bavuma had displayed earlier in the day.
India were effectively short of batting with captain Shubman Gill unavailable after being hospitalized with a neck injury suffered on the second day. On a surface expected to favor Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, it was Simon Harmer who made the decisive impact, finishing with an eight-wicket haul.“There were no demons in that wicket. It was not unplayable. If we continue talking about the wicket, majority of the wickets were occupied by seamers. It was a pitch where your technique, mental strength and temperament were tested,” head coach Gautam Gambhir told reporters at the post-match press conference, strongly dismissing criticism on the field.“It’s exactly the pitch we wanted, but if you don’t play well it will happen. I think 124 was a target to chase.” Stand-in captain Rishabh Pant admitted that India succumbed to pressure. “We should have continued that. The pressure continued to build in the second innings,” he said.Washington Sundar (31 off 92) and Jadeja (18 off 26) briefly revived hopes with calm, gentle cricket, but Harmer trapped Jadeja and Aiden Markram removed Sundar soon after. Dhruv Jurel showed early maturity before an ill-advised shot undone him, while Pant’s 2-for-13 attempt ended in a simple return.Axar Patel’s 26 off 17 provided a fleeting roar, but with only Bumrah remaining, the risks outweighed the reward and Maharaj struck twice in two balls to seal the result.Earlier, Bavuma’s solid 55 was not out and Corbin Bosch’s quick 25 took South Africa to 153, taking the lead beyond 100. Marco Jansen then shook India with strikes to Jaiswal and Rahul before lunch. Although Siraj and Jadeja finished the innings effectively, the Indian batters faltered where Bavuma thrived.The defeat was India’s fourth in their last six home Tests, another reminder that their spin plan is starting to betray them.
