Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar supported the decision despite the fact that it was criticised by some sections. The pitch selected for the opening Test match between South Africa and India at Eden Gardens has generated a lot of discussion, particularly after Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir stated that the squad had in fact requested a surface with spin. He insisted that the pitch was not a violent turner, as some had claimed.
South African spinner Simon Harmer was the difference-maker, taking eight wickets in both innings as India lost the opening Test match against South Africa by 30 runs in Kolkata. In a contest they were supposed to dominate, the Indian hitters failed to overcome the turn produced by the Proteas bowlers.
Therefore, it was not a turning pitch that was violent. It was a pitch where you had to bat like you were playing a five-day Test, not a Twenty20 or 50-over match where you try to play a break-out-of-jail shot after three dot balls. That’s the problem.
With the type of batting lineup India had, 124 should have been pursued with at least five wickets remaining, Gavaskar told India Today.
Many people discuss the pitch’s actions, but how many of Simon Harmer’s deliveries were turning if you looked at what he was doing during an over? He was doing a great job of switching it up. “He got the odd one to turn by bowling straight,” Gavaskar continued.
Following the game, the Indian head coach gave more insight into his thoughts on the field, saying that South Africa’s 123-run aim was undoubtedly attainable. He acknowledged that the Indian batters did not put out their best effort and did not exhibit the discipline and attitude needed under such circumstances. He claimed that because of their poor defence and lack of patience, wickets fell cheaply, costing India the match.
The idea is that you should be able to play turn. We received this, which is what we requested. I still think that 123 was chaseable, regardless of the wicket’s condition, and I felt that the curator was really encouraging. In the post-match press conference, Gambhir stated, “I thought that if you were willing to put your head down, and if you have a solid defence, and if you have the temperament, you can definitely score. It might not be a wicket, which is going to be very, very flamboyant where you can play those big shots, but if you’re willing to put your head down…”
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