India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir vehemently defended the challenging Eden Gardens surface on Sunday, claiming that it was exactly the type of track they had asked for before the first Test match against South Africa.
India lost to South Africa by 30 runs after being bowled out for 93 in the chase of 124 on Day 3 in Kolkata.
“It was not an unplayable wicket. This (pitch) is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got, the curator (Sujan Mukherjee) here was very supportive. I think it’s a wicket that can judge your mental toughness, as ones who played with good defence scored runs,” said Gambhir in the post-match press conference.
Gambhir then used the examples of Washington Sundar (31 off 92 balls) and Temba Bavuma (55 not out) to support his claims.
“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. There were no demons or not unplayable. Axar, Temba, Washington made runs. If you say this is a turning wicket, majority wickets were taken by seamers,” he added.
Additionally, Gambhir reasoned that the hosts favored an unwatered pitch in order to invalidate the toss.
“We ask for the pitch to aid spinners from day one so that toss doesn’t become crucial. Had we won the Test you wouldn’t be asking or discussing so much about pitch. We’ve got the guys to deliver in any condition,” he added.
Gambhir provided an update on the condition of injured captain Shubman Gill, saying: “He’s still being assessed. The physio will take a call today.”
