Gambhir’s Pitch Remark Sparks Legend Backlash
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has stirred controversy by defending the Eden Gardens pitch used in the first Test against South Africa. After the match ended in just three days, Gambhir claimed the surface had “no demons” and blamed India’s batters for failing to adapt. His statement came during a press conference where he praised the pitch for testing technique and temperament, despite widespread criticism over its uneven bounce and excessive turn from Day 1.
The Test saw all four innings end below 200 runs, raising serious questions about pitch quality.
Legends Strongly Disagree With Gambhir
Gambhir’s remarks didn’t sit well with cricketing greats. Former India captain Anil Kumble and South African legend Dale Steyn both slammed the comment, saying any Test that ends in three days clearly has demons in the pitch. Kumble expressed confusion over Gambhir’s stance, while Steyn called the surface “treacherous and unplayable.” Ravichandran Ashwin also voiced frustration, reportedly unhappy with the pitch preparation and its impact on the game.
Their reactions highlight a growing divide between team management and veteran voices on pitch standards.
Debate Over India’s Home Strategy Intensifies
The Eden Gardens pitch debate has reignited discussions about India’s home Test strategy. While some argue that spin-friendly tracks are part of India’s strength, others believe extreme conditions hurt the game’s balance and credibility. Gambhir’s insistence on backing the curator and blaming batters has added fuel to the fire. With the second Test set to be played in Guwahati, fans and experts are watching closely to see if pitch conditions improve.
The controversy may prompt the BCCI to revisit guidelines for pitch preparation in future home series.
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