India head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed all criticism surrounding the Eden Gardens floor, stressing that the pitch had “no demons” and that the curator offered precisely what the staff had requested, regardless of India falling to a 30-run defeat towards South Africa within the first Check.
India, led by Shubman Gill, had been bundled out for simply 93 within the ultimate innings, marking their third-lowest fourth-innings rating in Check cricket. The wicket instantly drew scrutiny for its uneven bounce and sharp flip. Earlier in the course of the match, Cricket Affiliation of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly had additionally acknowledged that the floor was ready strictly in line with the Indian staff’s specs.
Gambhir reiterated the identical view after the loss. He mentioned on the post-match press convention, “This pitch is what we requested for and that is what we bought; the curator right here was very supportive. I do not assume it is a tough wicket. It is a wicket that may decide your psychological toughness, as those who performed with good protection scored runs.”
India’s long-standing points towards high quality spin on difficult house tracks got here to the fore as soon as once more, as South Africa clinched a memorable 30-run victory, their first Check win in India in 15 years. Chasing 124, India failed to point out the temperament displayed earlier within the day by Temba Bavuma and had been bowled out in 35 overs. The state of affairs worsened with Shubman Gill unavailable to bat on day three after being hospitalized because of a neck harm.
On a pitch anticipated to go well with Indian spinners Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, it was South African off-spinner Simon Harmer who turned the match on its head with a match haul of eight wickets. India have now misplaced 4 of their final six house Exams, a run that additionally consists of final yr’s 0-3 Check collection defeat to New Zealand on turning tracks. The most recent consequence has as soon as once more revived the dialog about Indian batters’ approach and temperament on spin-friendly surfaces.
Reflecting on the staff’s strategy, Gambhir mentioned, “Greater than talent, it’s in regards to the potential to soak up strain. While you take a look at approach, psychological toughness and temperament, pitches like this really enable batters to develop and check themselves. Even with a lot activate supply, the vast majority of wickets nonetheless went to the seamers. The purpose is that you need to know methods to play flip. That is what we requested for and that is what we bought.
“I assumed the curator was very supportive, and I nonetheless consider that no matter how the wicket performed, 123 was chaseable. In case you are prepared to place your head down, have a strong protection and the temperament, you’ll be able to positively rating runs.
“It might not be a wicket the place you might be flamboyant or play large photographs, however if you’re affected person, you’ll be able to rating. That is precisely the pitch we had been on the lookout for. As I mentioned earlier than, the curator was very useful. That is precisely what we wished, and when you do not play nicely, that is what occurs.”