The World Test Champions South Africa inflicted one of the biggest upsets of the year as they defeated India by 30 runs in the first Test of the two-match series at Eden Gardens.
While South Africa played well and were the deserved winners, the pitch on offer at the Eden Gardens has also been a topic of debate. The ball turned from Day 1 and raised eyebrows as Indian batters failed to tackle the challenge against spin on a dry wicket.
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India's head coach Gautam Gambhir has now made a huge statement, admitting that Team India requested a turning wicket. However, he felt that the batters failed to adapt and bat well against spin, which led to the batting collapse in the loss.
Gautam Gambhir admits India got the Eden Gardens pitch they wanted despite loss
The Proteas registered a thrilling 30-run win in the first Test at Eden Gardens. The visitors bundled India out for just 93 in the fourth innings while defending just 124 runs in the final innings on a tricky, spin-friendly pitch.
Neither of the two teams managed to cross the 200-run mark in any of the four innings. This triggered a massive debate among fans and experts about the nature of the pitch prepared by Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee.
Gautam Gambhir, however, put an end to the debate, admitting that the wicket was prepared as per the team's request.
"There weren't any demons. Bavuma, Axar, and Washington scored runs. Those who had a good defence scored runs. You should know how to play when the ball turns. This is what we asked for, and the curator was supportive. This is exactly the pitch we were looking for," said Gambhir in the post-match press conference.
Earlier, CAB's President Sourav Ganguly defended the pitch curator, stating the very same reason.
"The pitch is what the Indian camp wanted. This is what happens when you don't water the pitch for four days. Curator Sujan Mukherjee can't be blamed," Ganguly told News18 Bangla.
Several former cricketers heavily criticised the pitch, with the former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh calling it the 'death of the longest format of the game,' as the game was wrapped within the first three days.
What's next for Team India?
After their defeat at the Eden Gardens, Team India will now move on to the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati, where they will face the Proteas in the second Test match of the series.
The second India vs South Africa Test will be played from November 22 to November 26. The Men in Blue will noe look to bounce back and level the series, while South Africa would aim to script history by registering their first series victory in India in 25 years.
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