By Admin 
IND vs SA Test Series: The 30-run defeat in the Kolkata Test has raised many questions on Team India and its management. After the match was over, the ongoing debate regarding the pitch, team selection and players’ technique suddenly became heated. Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir said that the result could have been different had the batsmen played defensively. However, this statement of Gambhir now seems to be weighing heavily, because South African legend AB de Villiers has described this comment as a direct blame on the players.
AB de Villiers enraged by Gambhir’s comment
After India’s defeat, Gambhir had defended the Eden Gardens pitch and raised questions on the technique of the batsmen. On this, AB de Villiers reacted on his YouTube channel and said, “The Test match was over in the blink of an eye. Gambhir is saying that the pitch was as he wanted. This is a very strange comment. It seems that he is taunting the players that if we made such a pitch then why did they not perform?” De Villiers clearly said that serious players are being made ‘scapegoats’, whereas the coaching staff also has the same responsibility.
“Why is India becoming weak at home?”
De Villiers also raised big questions on India’s home Test performance. He said, “Things have been changing in the last three to five years. The opposing teams now come with more preparation than before. It is a matter of concern for a team like India to lose four Tests at home.”
It is noteworthy that India had not lost a home Test series to any team for 12 years after 2012, but after Gautam Gambhir became the coach, Team India has lost 4 out of 8 Tests. This also includes New Zealand’s 3-0 clean sweep, which surprised everyone.
Pitch or batsman, where did you go wrong?
In the first Test, the Eden Gardens pitch troubled the batsmen from the very beginning. Uneven bounce and extra turn helped both spinners and fast bowlers. South Africa’s Simon Harmer single-handedly laid the foundation of India’s defeat by taking 8 wickets. The Indian team collapsed while chasing the target of just 124 runs.
Pressure on Gambhir in Guwahati Test
The second Test between India and South Africa will be played in Guwahati from 22 November. If India loses this match also, then the biggest question will be raised on coach Gambhir only.