Former South African batter AB de Villiers has shared a strong opinion on India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir’s remarks about the Eden Gardens pitch after India’s defeat to South Africa in the first Test. De Villiers said that Gambhir defending the pitch might actually be a hidden criticism of India’s batting failure. His comment came after India failed to chase down 124 runs in Kolkata.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, De Villiers said, “Before I could blink the Test match was over. Exactly the wicket India wanted, says India coach Gautam Gambhir. Very interesting comments there. Maybe he is having a go at the players, saying ‘This what we prepared, why didn’t we perform?”
Many fans and former cricketers blamed the pitch for India’s defeat. But Gambhir said that this is exactly the pitch they wanted and that defensive batting could have brought runs.
De Villiers highlighted a major concern for India in home Tests. “An interesting trend is developing in India over the last three to five years. Obviously, it is very difficult to beat India at home, but over the last three to five years, things are changing,” De Villiers said.
He added, “Some concerns for India. They have lost four games there and that is unheard of… What is happening here? Have they become the worse players of spin? I don’t think so. Oppositions are more prepared and understand the conditions.”
The second and final Test will start on November 22 in Guwahati, where India will aim to bounce back and level the series.
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