India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch used for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, stating it was not unplayable despite the hosts' 30-run defeat. India failed to chase 124 runs in the fourth innings on a turning surface, with the match concluding in the second session on Day 3. Gambhir argued that batters with proper technique, mental strength, and temperament could succeed, pointing to performances by Temba Bavuma, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar. However, former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn strongly disagreed with this assessment. He highlighted the extreme difficulty batters faced, with balls spinning excessively or skidding through unpredictably. Steyn emphasized that even the most assured batters appeared vulnerable throughout their innings. The differing views sparked debate about pitch conditions as South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the two-Test series.
Steyn Challenges Gambhir's Pitch Assessment
Dale Steyn rejected Gautam Gambhir's claim that the pitch had no demons. Speaking on JioHotstar after the match, Steyn described witnessing numerous challenges, including deliveries spinning two feet past the bat and hitting the keeper's shoulder, while others skidded through to trap batters leg-before-wicket. He stressed that when scoring opportunities disappear, defensive application becomes paramount, which itself indicates extremely difficult batting conditions. Steyn noted that any Test match finishing within three days inherently possesses demons. Even Washington Sundar and Temba Bavuma, the most composed batters in the contest, looked perpetually vulnerable. Their solid defense helped them survive, but both appeared moments away from dismissal throughout their innings at Eden Gardens.
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