Bhuvneshwar Kumar defends India after 30-run loss to South Africa
What's the story
Pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar has defended India's performance and the pitch conditions at Eden Gardens, following their 30-run defeat to South Africa. The loss, India's first home defeat to the Proteas in 15 years, has led to discussions about the uncertain batting order and a bowler-friendly pitch. Despite winning against West Indies and Bangladesh, India have struggled against the SENA nations at home in Tests.
Pitch debate
Bhuvneshwar downplays concerns over pitch conditions
Kumar, however, downplayed the concerns over the pitch, saying India have always produced spin-friendly tracks and performed well on them. Speaking to PTI, he said, "This is not the first time a spin-friendly track has been prepared. No one raised this question (before) because India was winning. And winning and losing are part of the game." The pacer also defended India's decision to play four spinners in their playing XI for this match.
Team strategy
Kumar supports decision to play 4 spinners
Kumar defended the decision to include Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar in the playing XI. He said, "The way the wicket was prepared, we all know that the requirement was for four spinners (Axar Patel, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, and Washington Sundar). We had some good spinners; it was a turning track, and the way the match went, it was a good decision to play (four) spinners."
Captain's condition
Bhuvneshwar comments on Gill's fitness
As for captain Shubman Gill's fitness ahead of the second Test, Bhuvneshwar said that if he wants a rest, he would speak out for himself. "Gill has become the captain recently. If he so desires (a rest), he would speak out for himself," Kumar said. The Indian captain was recently discharged from Kolkata's Woodlands Hospital after being treated for neck spasms. He has since been staying with his teammates in Kolkata.
Match
How the Kolkata Test panned out
Gill's absence was felt in the final innings as India, chasing just 124 runs, faltered. They succumbed to the deteriorating Kolkata pitch and fell to spinners. In what appeared to be a modest run-chase, the hosts folded for 93. Only Washington Sundar (31) and Axar Patel (26) scored 20-plus runs. With a 30-run win, South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0.