NEW DELHI: South African legend Dale Steyn has hit out at India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir over his remarks on the Eden Gardens pitch, following India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Kolkata. The loss has reignited debate about the surface and the difficulties it posed for the batters.
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During the post-match press conference, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir said, “First of all, there were no demons in the wicket. This was not an unplayable surface.”
Gambhir pointed out that, “If you apply yourself and bat long enough, runs are possible. Players like KL Rahul and Washington Sundar who defended well managed to contribute. This pitch was definitely not impossible to bat on. We have handled surfaces like this before.”
Steyn’s take: “This wicket certainly has demons”
Dale Steyn shared a contrasting view on JioHotstar after the match.
“Gambhir says there weren’t any demons on the pitch? I saw plenty,” Steyn said, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the bounce and turn that challenged India’s batters.
He elaborated on why batting was so difficult. “Some deliveries spun sharply past the bat, almost hitting the keeper on the shoulder. Others skidded through, catching pads or getting the batter out. When scoring isn’t easy, defence becomes the priority. That shows just how testing this wicket really is,” Steyn explained.
Batting under pressure
Steyn noted that even South Africa’s most confident players, Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar, were constantly under threat.
“The two who batted most effectively were Washington Sundar in the fourth innings and Temba Bavuma. Even they looked vulnerable at times; one ball could have ended their innings. Their defence, however, was rock solid. This pitch definitely has demons. Any Test finishing in three days will always have a few,” he added.
