Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers made a huge statement on Indian team’s head coach Gautam Gambhir after the first Test in Kolkata. The Proteas beat India by 30 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. South Africa were bowled out for 159 in the first innings. However, they managed to restrict India to 189. The visitors then got to 153 and set the hosts a target of 124 runs. In reply, India were bundled out for 93 with the game finishing in just two and a half days.
Following the defeat, Gautam Gambhir stated during the press conference that the wicket was exactly what India had asked for. He added that the batters should have shown better application and technique. AB de Villiers felt that Gautam Gambhir was probably having a go at his own players.
AB de Villiers thoughts on Gautam Gambhir.Â
Speaking on his You Tube channel, AB said: “Before I could blink the Test match was over. Exactly the wicket India wanted Gambhir said, very interesting comments there. Maybe he is having a go at the players that this what we prepared, why didn’t we perform? Interesting trend developing there over the last three to five years. I thought it was going to be a flat wicket but then things started happening. India never took the opportunity to make that 189 250 plus because then it would have been done and dusted. Small margins.”Â
The former cricketer also praised South African skipper Temba Bavuma for his crucial unbeaten 55 in the second innings. He was the only batter from both sides to score a half-century in the entire Test match.
AB further added: “It looked game over for South Africa. But Bavuma played the match-winning knock. We saw him going to India early and preparing for this series. Not a lot of players would put their hands up and go a tier down and play for the A team. I am very proud of the way he went over there and prepared. It proved to be crucial. Even a little glitch there would have been a win for India.”Â
The visitors were reduced to 93/7 at the end of day two. However, Bavuma’s knock under pressure propelled them to 153 and allowed them to give themselves a chance to win the Test match.
AB de Villiers highlighted concerns for Gautam Gambhir and his team.Â
AB de Villiers felt that losing Tests like these at home was alarming for India. Notably, they have lost four out of the six home Tests they have played under Gautam Gambhir so far. He reflected that the oppositions were more aware and better prepared. Therefore, he urged India to change their mindset and prepare better wickets going forward.
AB de Villiers said: “Some concerns for India. They have lost four games there and that is unheard of. What is happening here? Have they become worst players of spin? I don’t think so. The oppositions are more prepared and understanding the conditions, playing spin better as well. We see teams getting more clever.”Â
AB de Villiers further added: “Maybe India have to change the makeup of the pitches and not ask for turners. Make it more of a fair Test pitch, and maybe it its time for them to tweak their mindset here. I think teams are going on tour more prepared.”Â
The hosts will be keen to bounce back and level the series. Guwahati will be the venue for the second Test that is set to begin on November 22. Gautam Gambhir will also be under pressure to avoid another series defeat at home in his tenure.
It will be interesting and important to see whether India bounces back and levels the series at 1-1. It’s not going to be easy as India will have to fight against all odds without their captain Shubman Gill as well. Let’s see how how things play out in Guwahati.
Also Read:Â IND vs SA: The Fearless Temba Bavuma Continues Making His Legacy