India coach Gambhir backs Eden Gardens pitch after 30-run loss

India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after South Africa’s 30-run win in the first Test, saying it was exactly the track India wanted. He cited Bavuma and Sundar’s innings to argue the wicket was playable

Kolkata: India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the tough Eden Gardens pitch, saying it was precisely the kind of track they were looking for ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

India were bowled out for 93 in the chase of 124 to lose to South Africa by 30 runs.

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“It was not an unplayable wicket. This pitch is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got. The curator Sujan Mukherjee was very supportive. I think it’s a wicket that can judge your mental toughness, as those who played with good defence scored runs,” said Gambhir at the post-match press conference.

Gambhir cited the case of Temba Bavuma (55 not out) and Washington Sundar (31 off 92 balls) to validate his argument.

“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. There were no demons and it was not unplayable. Axar, Temba, Washington made runs. If you say this is a turning wicket, the majority of wickets were taken by seamers,” he added.

Gambhir also reasoned that the hosts preferred such an unwatered pitch to render the toss invalid.

“We ask for the pitch to aid spinners from day one so that the toss doesn’t become crucial. Had we won the Test you wouldn’t be asking or discussing so much about the pitch. We’ve got the players to deliver in any condition,” he said.

Updating on the status of injured skipper Shubman Gill, Gambhir said: “He’s still being assessed. The physio will take a call today.”