India coach exposes huge 'anti-Gautam Gambhir agenda' after Kolkata Test disaster

Team India batting coach Sitanshu Kotak opened up about the criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir after the team’s loss to South Africa in the first Test at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Kotak stated that it was unfair to blame Gambhir, adding that the batters and bowlers failed to deliver for the Indian team.

India have been struggling in Test cricket during Gautam Gambhir’s tenure. The team has won only two of the last six home Tests. They collapsed for just 93 while chasing 124 in the first Test against South Africa. Notably, the Men in Blue suffered a 0-3 whitewash in a home Test series against New Zealand last year.

Can’t Understand Why Everyone Is Going After Gautam Gambhir - Sitanshu Kotak

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Sitanshu Kotak said that Gautam Gambhir should not be blamed for the loss. He pointed out that the batters, bowlers, and support staff could have handled things better. Kotak also noted that it was unfair to blame the curator for the conditions.

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"I can't understand why everyone is going after Gautam Gambhir. As a support staff I feel bad. He came and admitted that curator gave what we asked for. It was also unfair to blame curator," Kotak said.

"But this 'Gambhir' thing, I feel there are at times agendas. No one is asking how players played or what were plans of batting coach," he added.

We Haven’t Blamed The Eden Pitch On The Curator - Sitanshu Kotak

Sitanshu Kotak also said that curator Sujan Mukherjee is not responsible for the surface used in the first Test. He stated that while teams naturally prepare pitches to suit their strengths, even India’s management hadn’t anticipated the wicket turning as sharply as it did in the first two to three days.

"We haven't blamed the Eden pitch on the curator. Every team plays to its strengths. We didn't expect the pitch to turn so much so early," Kotak stated.

Shubman Gill Ruled Out Of Second Test vs South Africa In Guwahati

Temba Bavuma anchored the innings with an unbeaten 55, the only half-century of the match, guiding his side to 153 runs in the third innings.

Ravindra Jadeja took four wickets, while Mohammed Siraj and Kuldeep Yadav picked up two each in that innings. Simon Harmer delivered a superb spell of 4/21 as the visitors bowled India out for just 93. Washington Sundar scored 31 from 92 balls, but it was not enough to prevent defeat.

India, under Gautam Gambhir, will enter the second Test in Guwahati under pressure after a 30-run loss to South Africa in the series opener. The match will begin on November 22, and the hosts must win to avoid another home series defeat to the Proteas.

However, their preparations suffered a setback, as captain Shubman Gill is expected to sit out due to the neck injury he picked up in Kolkata. The Indian Express reported that Gill has not recovered fully, and Rishabh Pant is likely to lead the side.

Also read: South Africa deliver official medical update on Simon Harmer