AB de Villiers becomes Indian dressing room whistleblower; Gautam Gambhir's despicable moves exposed

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers reacted to Gautam Gambhir’s post-match remarks after India’s defeat in the first Test match at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. De Villiers said that Gambhir’s comments about the pitch were a dig at his own players for failing to perform on conditions they had requested.

South Africa took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after defeating India by 30 runs in a match that ended in just two and a half days. The Proteas were bowled out for 159 in the first innings before restricting India to 189. They then posted 153 in their second outing. India were bowled out for only 93 while chasing 124.

In his press conference after the loss, Gautam Gambhir said that the pitch was prepared as per their requirements. Gambhir stated that they lost the match due to poor batting, adding that the players needed to show better technique on a challenging surface.

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Over The Last Three To Five Years, Things Are Changing - AB de Villiers

Reacting to Gambhir's comment on the pitch, AB de Villiers said that the India coach might have been pointing a finger at his own players. De Villiers also said that teams traditionally struggled to beat India in their own conditions, but visiting sides have begun to compete strongly over the last three to five years.

"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?" AB de Villiers said.

"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," he added.

They Have Lost Four Games There - AB de Villiers

AB de Villiers highlighted growing concerns about India’s recent home form, noting that losing four matches on their own soil is extremely unusual. He dismissed the idea that India have suddenly become poor players of spin, saying that visiting teams are better prepared for Indian conditions.

"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," he added.

Gautam Gambhir Under Immense Pressure To Avoid Another Series Defeat

The first Test ended inside three days, with the pitch offering uneven bounce, sharp turn, and assistance for both seamers and spinners. South Africa took advantage of winning the toss, and Simon Harmer took eight wickets across the match.

Only Temba Bavuma managed to reach a half-century. India failed to chase down the target of 124 runs, raising questions about their approach on home pitches. The surface had initially looked like a typical subcontinental wicket and decent for batting early on.

However, the wicket deteriorated midway through Day 1, and by the second day it had become almost unplayable. With South Africa leading the series 1-0, they head confidently into the final Test. The hosts must win to level the series, and Gambhir will be under pressure to avoid another home series defeat.

Also read: "Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma wanted to play more, were deliberately removed by Gautam Gambhir"