1st Test: Gambhir Defends Kolkata Pitch as Bavuma Celebrates Gritty Half-Century

Kolkata, November 16 — India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly defended the Eden Gardens pitch after his team suffered a dramatic collapse in the opening Test against South Africa, a match that wrapped up inside three days and ended with a 30-run win for the visitors. Despite the low-scoring nature of the game and India’s unsuccessful chase of 124, Gambhir insisted there was nothing unfair or dangerous about the surface. India were bowled out for 93 in the final innings on a pitch that offered sharp turn and unpredictable bounce. Only South Africa captain Temba Bavuma managed to cross fifty in the entire match, making an unbeaten 55 that became the defining knock of the Test. Even so, Gambhir dismissed talk of an unplayable wicket, saying the pitch simply demanded solid technique and strong temperament. “There was no demon in this wicket. It was not unplayable,” Gambhir said after the match, noting that most dismissals were caused by seam bowlers rather than spinners. He added that the pitch rewarded those who defended well and punished loose strokes. According to him, this was precisely the kind of surface the team expected: one that tested skill, patience and mental resilience. “When you don’t play well, this is what happens,” he admitted. South Africa had begun the third day on 97 for 3, trailing India by 30 runs in the first innings and looking vulnerable. But Bavuma’s gritty half-century changed the course of the Test. His partnerships—particularly a vital 44-run stand with Corbin Bosch for the eighth wicket—gave South Africa a defendable total. Off-spinner Simon Harmer then took control of the final innings, claiming four wickets and earning Player of the Match. India faced additional pressure when captain Shubman Gill, who was injured in the first innings after scoring only four, did not come out to bat in the second innings. Batting effectively one man down on such a testing pitch made the chase even more difficult. Bavuma later spoke about the conditions, acknowledging that while the pitch was challenging, he relied on his defensive game to survive. “I found it a bit tricky to trust the bounce,” he said, pointing out that some deliveries bounced sharply while others stayed low. This inconsistency, he explained, made cross-batted shots risky. Instead, he stuck to his strengths—tight defense and disciplined shot selection. “I always back my defence … my game is that simple,” he said. In a match where flair and aggression backfired for most batters, Bavuma’s composed approach stood out. His innings provided the stability South Africa needed and ultimately shaped the outcome of the Test. For India, the defeat will likely spark conversations about shot selection, adaptability and handling pressure on testing surfaces. For South Africa, the win marks a powerful start to the series and a reminder of why they hold the World Test Championship title. 1st Test: Gambhir Defends Kolkata Pitch as Bavuma Celebrates Gritty Half-Century A tense opening Test in Kolkata wrapped up inside three days, and the result has stirred plenty of debate. While India fell short in a chase of 124, head coach Gautam Gambhir stood firm in defence of the Eden Gardens pitch, calling it challenging but fair. According to him, the surface demanded solid technique and mental strength—qualities South Africa captain Temba Bavuma showcased brilliantly with the only half-century of the match. Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 became the backbone of South Africa’s victory, especially his crucial partnership for the eighth wicket. His calm, disciplined batting contrasted sharply with the collapses on both sides, proving that patience and a strong defence were the keys to survival. India’s chase became tougher with skipper Shubman Gill unavailable due to injury, leaving the team effectively one batter short. South Africa’s Simon Harmer sealed the win with a four-wicket burst, earning Player of the Match. This Test was a reminder that sometimes the simplest batting approach—trusting your defence—outlasts flair. A gripping start to the series, and plenty to unpack ahead.