Srikkanth Slams Gambhir Over Kolkata Pitch After India Loss

Former India selector Kris Srikkanth has strongly criticised Gautam Gambhir’s defence of the Kolkata pitch used for the first Test against South Africa, where India suffered a 30-run defeat after being bowled out for 93 in the fourth innings while chasing 124.

The match at the Eden Gardens ended in just two and a half days, prompting widespread scrutiny over the quality of the surface. Despite the backlash, Gambhir maintained that the wicket was exactly what India had requested and dismissed claims that it was unfit for Test cricket. He insisted the batters lacked proper technique.

Srikkanth, however, rejected Gambhir’s explanation, questioning how any batter could succeed on a track where almost everyone struggled except Temba Bavuma, whose unbeaten 55 proved decisive.

“I don’t understand how anyone can call this a good wicket. So many batters got out defending, either caught at slip or lbw. This South Africa side is not even a strong batting unit. Why prepare such bad wickets and then blame technique? Bavuma handled it, but that’s one player out of the entire match,” he said.

“A Crappy Track” – Srikkanth Continues His Critique

Srikkanth pointed out that India have now lost four of their last six home Tests under Gambhir’s leadership—a worrying trend given that India has fielded full-strength squads against teams like New Zealand and South Africa.

He argued that the team management continues to repeat the same mistakes by asking for rank turners from day one.

“This is a horrible record at home. Gambhir said this is the wicket they asked for, but this is not the kind of surface on which you should be playing Test cricket. The ball spun from the first day. We’ve been making the same mistake for years,” he said.

He further added, “This track was horrible. You cannot say players just need to apply themselves on such a crappy wicket. If both teams are struggling to score, how can it be called a good pitch?”

Srikkanth also questioned whether Gambhir was under pressure, stating that India as a whole is under pressure now after another home defeat.

India will face South Africa next in the Guwahati Test, beginning on November 22, where conditions are expected to be different—but all eyes will remain on how the pitch is prepared.