Gambhir Praises Kolkata Pitch’s Challenge as Bavuma Earns Appreciation for Gritty Knock

Kolkata – India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir offered a confident and encouraging assessment of the Kolkata pitch after India’s narrow loss in the opening Test against South Africa. He emphasised that the surface was fair, competitive and designed to test skills at the highest level.

Despite the low-scoring nature of the match, Gambhir reiterated that the pitch held no hidden surprises. He said there were “no demons” and that strong technique and patience were the keys to scoring.

India were chasing 124 for victory but finished at 93, ending the match inside three days. Yet the contest was exciting, intense and full of moments that showcased cricket’s unpredictable beauty.

Gambhir defended the decision to prepare a pitch offering both spin and seam assistance. He highlighted that such wickets develop temperament, technique and adaptability for long-term success.

According to the coach, it was not a typical turning track, nor was it unfair to batters. He pointed out that most wickets fell to seamers, proving that the surface offered balanced opportunities.

Gambhir also stressed that modern Test cricket requires players to handle a variety of challenging conditions. He said the pitch rewarded those who defended well and punished only those who lost patience.

He noted that matches like these build character and push players to elevate their mental toughness. Gambhir remained optimistic that the team would learn quickly and respond strongly in the next match.

South Africa’s first-innings lead of 30 runs proved crucial in the final outcome. On the third morning, the visitors resumed at 97-3 and looked briefly under pressure from India’s bowlers.

But South Africa captain Temba Bavuma played a remarkable unbeaten knock of 55. His calmness and clarity helped his side set a competitive target despite a swinging, turning ball.

Bavuma’s innings was praised as a masterclass in patience and disciplined defence under pressure.He built a vital 44-run stand with Corbin Bosch for the eighth wicket, frustrating India’s bowlers.

The South African skipper admitted the bounce was tricky, with some deliveries rising sharply while others stayed low. Even so, he backed his defence and stuck to his simple, compact style of play.

His innings reflected pure concentration and smart shot selection in conditions where aggression was risky. Players from both sides struggled to attack freely, making Bavuma’s stability even more admirable.

India, meanwhile, were effectively a batter short. Captain Shubman Gill did not bat in the second innings after retiring hurt earlier with a neck injury.

Even with one less batter, the Indian team fought bravely and kept the match alive till the final sessions. Their bowlers consistently created pressure, showing discipline and commitment throughout.

Gambhir praised the Indian bowlers for exploiting the conditions smartly and maintaining intensity.
He said the team displayed passion and resilience even in difficult phases.

He also expressed confidence that the squad will bounce back with renewed focus in the next Test. Gambhir emphasised that setbacks like these are part of a larger learning journey for a young team.

The coach highlighted that Test cricket’s charm lies in such unpredictable, low-scoring thrillers. He believes conditions like Kolkata’s help prepare teams for diverse global challenges.

Cricket lovers enjoyed a gripping contest where bowlers dominated and batters had to earn every run. The match showcased the beauty of traditional red-ball cricket, where grit often outweighs flamboyance.

As India prepare for the next match, optimism remains high. Gambhir’s belief in his team, combined with the players’ hunger to improve, sets a positive tone.

The Kolkata Test may not have gone India’s way, but it delivered valuable experience and lessons. Both sides walked away with admiration for Bavuma’s composure and India’s fighting spirit.