Gambhir Defends Kolkata Pitch After Shocking Loss
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian cricket team, has recently come under scrutiny after a shocking Test defeat against South Africa in Kolkata. The match ended abruptly in just 2.5 days, with India unable to chase a target of 124 runs, collapsing for a mere 93 runs in their final innings. This loss has ignited a flurry of criticism regarding the pitch conditions.
Several cricket pundits and former players, including Michael Vaughan and Anil Kumble, have expressed their discontent over the pitch. They argue that India should have opted for a more balanced playing surface, especially considering their strength as a home team. Former cricketer Wasim Jaffer has also weighed in, suggesting that the current management should return to the classic pitches used during Virat Kohli's captaincy, which were known for their sporting nature.
Midway through the match, Sourav Ganguly, the president of the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), revealed that the pitch had not been watered for four days at the request of the Indian team, aiming to create conditions favorable for spinners. This assertion was backed by Gambhir, who stated that the curator had prepared the pitch to suit the home team. However, critics argue that this strategy backfired, leading to a loss against the Proteas.
India's recent performance under Gambhir has raised concerns, with the team losing four out of their last six Tests at home. They have yet to secure a victory against any SENA nation (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) during his tenure. This includes a whitewash against New Zealand and a loss to Australia, along with a drawn series against England.
Gambhir faced the media after the defeat, insisting that the pitch conditions were as per the team's requirements and attributing the loss to his batters' inability to perform. He remarked, "This is what we asked for, and this is what we got. I thought the curator was very supportive. There were no demons on the pitch." His comments, however, have done little to quell the criticism.
As the Indian team prepares for the second Test against South Africa at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, the pressure is mounting. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if the team can turn their fortunes around and reclaim their reputation as a dominant force in Test cricket.
