India's head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch at Eden Gardens after the team's surprising 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test. Following the loss, Gambhir stated, "There were no demons in the pitch," emphasizing that the surface was exactly what the team had requested. India, chasing a target of 124 runs, was bowled out for just 93, marking a disappointing end to the match that concluded in under three days.

The pitch was characterized by variable bounce and sharp turn, making batting challenging from the outset. Only one half-century was scored in the match, achieved by South Africa's captain Temba Bavuma, who finished with 55 not out. Gambhir noted that the pitch was not unplayable and highlighted the performances of players like Bavuma, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, who managed to score runs despite the difficult conditions.

Gambhir pointed out that the majority of wickets fell to seamers, stating, "This was not a typical turning track. Majority of the wickets were claimed by the seamers." He insisted that the pitch tested the players' technique and mental toughness, and those who defended well were able to score. He added, "If you say this is a turning wicket, the majority of wickets went to the seamers."

Despite Gambhir's defense, former cricketers, including Dale Steyn and Anil Kumble, expressed their disagreement with his assessment of the pitch. Steyn questioned how a match could end in such a short time without any issues with the playing surface. Kumble reminisced about his own experiences, stating he had not seen a pitch like this at Eden Gardens since his youth.

Cheteshwar Pujara also raised concerns about the trend of producing such challenging pitches, suggesting that they prioritize luck over skill. The match's outcome has sparked discussions about the suitability of such surfaces for Test cricket, especially as it limits opportunities for young players to develop their skills.

India will now look to regroup ahead of the second Test in Guwahati, starting November 22, as they seek to bounce back from this defeat and address the questions surrounding the pitch conditions.