India lost the first Test in Kolkata by 30 runs, failing to chase 124 and getting folded for 93.
Indian coach Gautam Gambhir surprised everyone with his warm gesture towards the Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee after the hosts lost the first Test against South Africa in Kolkata by 30 runs.
India failed to chase down a 124-run target, as they were shot out by the Proteas for 93 with Simon Harmer taking four wickets each in both innings. Indian batters faltered on a pitch that aided spinners and had uneven bounce from day one.
While India managed to bowl out South Africa for 159 in the first innings, thanks to Jasprit Bumrah’s 5/27, it managed only 189 runs in reply. South Africa did well to score 153 in the second innings, setting India 124 runs to win.
As the Eden Gardens pitch began to degrade on the second day, it was revealed that it had not been watered for four days before the match.
Gambhir, who talked to the media following India's defeat, refused to blame the curator despite the outcome, stating that the pitch was prepared perfectly according to the directions given by the Indian team management.
As doubts continue to arise, a beautiful sight emerged from the Eden Gardens on Tuesday.
Gambhir, who is monitoring India's practice session at the stadium ahead of the second Test, was seen hugging pitch curator Sujan, leaving everyone in wonder and a little startled.
Sujan Mukherjee defended the Kolkata pitch and had told Times Now: "This pitch is not bad at all. I know everyone is questioning this pitch. Honestly, I know how to prepare a pitch for a Test. That's exactly what I did. I did it as instructed. I don't think about what others say. Not everyone knows everything. So, I do my job with dedication, and I want to continue doing that in the future as well.”
Gambhir also carried a similar sentiment on the Eden Gardens pitch, saying the pitch had no demons in it and it wasn't unplayable at all.
"It was not an unplayable wicket; there were no demons. If you are willing to put your head down and if you have a solid defence, if you have a temperament, you can definitely score runs," he said during the post-match presser.
India needs to win the second Test in Guwahati, which starts from November 22, if they want to avoid another whitewash at home in Tests.