South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj and Ryan Rickelton celebrate India’s Mohammed Siraj’s goal. (NOT a photo) NEW DELHI: The Eden Gardens became the center of heated debate after India’s first Test against South Africa ended in three days, revealing deep differences between cricket’s greats and raising fresh questions about India’s bowling attack.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SIGN UP NOW!Head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly defended the surface and rejected suggestions that the pitch was to blame for India’s 30-run defeat. “This is exactly the pitch we wanted and the curator was very helpful. There was nothing wrong with the pitch. We didn’t handle the pressure of the chase in the fourth innings and we need to improve,” Gambhir said.
‘When you don’t play well, this is what happens’: Gautam Gambhir reacts to first Test defeat, highlights what India lacked
He doubled down and insisted the terms were fair. “There were no demons in this wicket. It was not unplayable… Most of the wickets went to the seamers. This was a surface where your technique and mental toughness were tested. If you had the nature to grind and bat long, you could score.”However, Gambhir’s assessment was questioned by two greats of the game. Speaking to host TV JioStar, former Indian captain Anil Kumble gave a stark verdict: “I have been coming to Kolkata for a long time and I have never seen a pitch like this at Eden Gardens.”
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Dale Steyn was even more scathing in his criticism. “There were definitely demons on the field. The batsmen couldn’t trust their defence… Even batsmen like Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar knew their name could be on the next ball,” said the former South African pacer.The contrasting views come as India grapples with declining domestic dominance. Last year, India suffered a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand on a similarly friendly surface, their first home series loss since 2012, prompting a transition marked by the departures of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin.India have now lost four of their last six home Tests and need to win in Guwahati to keep the series alive.South Africa’s win – their first Test victory in India in 15 years – was built on disciplined bowling as India made 93 while chasing 124. Simon Harmer (4-21), Keshav Maharaj (2-37) and Marco Jansen (2-15) dismantled the hosts on a treacherous surface to complete a rare three-day win.India were also hampered by the loss of captain Shubman Gill, who was hospitalized with neck spasms and was ruled out midway through the match, leaving the team at the bottom.The second Test begins on November 22 in Guwahati, where India face mounting pressure – and a growing debate.
