‘Curator gave us exactly what we wanted’- Gautam Gambhir says Eden pitch had no demons after India’s defeat

Even though India lost to South Africa by 30 runs in the first Test, India coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the rumors surrounding the Eden Gardens surface, stating that the pitch had "no demons" and that the curator had provided exactly what the team had requested.

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The surface was criticized for its uneven bounce and severe turn, and Shubman Gill's team was dismissed for 93 in the final innings, India's third-lowest fourth-innings total in Test cricket.

Sourav Ganguly, president of the Cricket Association of Bengal, claimed during the game that the surface had been prepared just as requested by the Indian squad.

"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, because those who played with good defense scored runs," said Gambhir at the post-match press conference.

Temba Bavuma was the top scorer for South Africa in the second innings, making 55, while Simon Harmer took eight wickets in the match, becoming the Player of the Match winner.

"We ask for the pitch to aid spinners," Gautam Gambhir confesses

In their last six Test matches, India has lost four times at home, including the 0-3 series loss to New Zealand on turning tracks last year. The outcome has rekindled the discussion about the temperament and technique of Indian hitters on spinning surfaces.

Gambhir emphasized that in order to prevent the toss from deciding the game, the hosts had expressly requested a surface that would facilitate spin from the first day.

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"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 guys to deliver in any condition.

I don't think this was that difficult a wicket. It was a challenge of technique, mental toughness, and temperament. If you are looking to grind and bat long, you can make runs. But if you are in an attacking mindset, then it becomes difficult. Whoever has defended well—KL Rahul, Bavuma, Washington Sundar—they made runs. So if you have a solid defense, it's not a wicket where you can't make runs. We have played on wickets like this before," Gambhir added.

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