INDvSA
Eden pitch sparks tension: Ganguly contradicts Gambhir, urges him to back his bowlers
Kolkata/IBNS: Indian cricket head coach Gautam Gambhir and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly have contradicted over the pitch at the Eden Gardens where the first Test was wrapped up within three days in favour of South Africa.
Amid massive criticism of the pitch where the ball started turning since day two, Gambhir defended the wicket and the curator and blasted his cricketers for not being able to soak in the pressure and deliver.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Gambhir said, "This is exactly what we wanted. And this is exactly what we got. When you don't play well, this is what happens."
"You should know how to play in a turning pitch... I thought the curator was very supportive, and I still believe irrespective of how the wicket was, 124 was chaseable," he added.
Ganguly, a former India captain, completely contradicted Gambhir and urged him to trust his bowlers and play on good pitches.
"I am very fond of Gautam, he has done well for India in England in ODI, T20 cricket. He will continue for a while but he must play on good pitches in India. He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, Shami to win Test matches," the ex-BCCI chief said speaking to Sports Tak.
"India should win Test matches in five days and not three days," Ganguly added.
South Africa stunned India in a turning track by winning the Test by 30 runs after the hosts were bowled out for only 93 on day three while chasing 124.
South African captain Temba Bavuma scored the only half-century of the match to help the visitors set 124 as the target which India couldn't chase due to the regular fall of wickets.
India batted with 10 players as their captain Shubman Gill was out of the game due to neck spasm that forced his hospitalisation.
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