New Delhi: India suffered a narrow 30-run defeat against South Africa in the first Test, leaving fans and experts debating the reasons behind the loss. The Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata came under intense scrutiny, with uneven bounce offering advantages to both pacers and spinners. South African bowler Simon Harmer claimed 8 wickets, playing a pivotal role in India’s collapse. India managed only 124 runs in the final innings, handing the visitors a slim victory.
Gambhir Defends Pitch, Criticism Follows
Following the match, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch, claiming that Indian batsmen could have scored more if they had adopted a defensive approach. Gambhir’s comments sparked reactions internationally, particularly from South African batting legend AB de Villiers.
On his YouTube channel, de Villiers said, “The Test match was over before I even blinked. Gambhir’s comment that it was the kind of wicket ‘we wanted’ is intriguing. It seems like he’s mocking the players, implying that if such a pitch was prepared, why didn’t the team perform?”
De Villiers Questions Indian Home Dominance
De Villiers also highlighted a shift in Indian cricket, noting that in the last 3-5 years, visiting teams are coming better prepared. “It’s clear that beating India at home has always been tough, but things are changing. India has lost four home Tests in the past few years. Does this mean they’ve become weak against spin? I don’t think so, but opposing teams now understand conditions better.”
Recent Trends and Home Struggles
India has traditionally been dominant at home. Between 2012 and 2024, India lost only 4 Tests at home, while series against Australia and England saw just a handful of wins for the visitors. Since Gambhir became head coach, India has lost 4 out of 8 home Tests. The recent clean sweep by New Zealand in a three-match series further highlights the growing challenge for India on home soil.
This explosive claim by AB de Villiers adds fuel to the ongoing debate about India’s strategy, coaching, and performance under pressure, putting Gautam Gambhir’s approach under the spotlight ahead of the second Test against South Africa.
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