India head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after South Africa’s 30-run win in the first Test, saying it was exactly the track India wanted. He cited Bavuma and Sundar’s innings to argue the wicket was playable

Kolkata: India head coach Gautam Gambhir on Sunday mounted a strong defence of the tough Eden Gardens pitch, saying it was precisely the kind of track they were looking for ahead of the first Test against South Africa.

India were bowled out for 93 in the chase of 124 to lose to South Africa by 30 runs.

“It was not an unplayable wicket. This pitch is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got. The curator Sujan Mukherjee was very supportive. I think it’s a wicket that can judge your mental toughness, as those who played with good defence scored runs,” s

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