In a dramatic turn of events that culminated in a shocking 30-run defeat for the Indian cricket team, captain Shubman Gill has been released from Woodlands Multispeciality Hospital in Kolkata. Gill was undergoing treatment for a neck injury he sustained during the opening Test match against South Africa at the historic Eden Gardens, an injury severe enough to force him to miss India's second innings.
Pitch Controversy Erupts After Dramatic Collapse
The cricketing world was left stunned as the Indian batting lineup, chasing a modest target of 124 runs, collapsed to a mere 93 all out on a sharply turning track. This loss handed South Africa a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match series and marked India's fourth defeat on home soil in their last six Test matches.
Adding significant weight to the post-match discussion, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president and former India captain Sourav Ganguly visited the hospitalized Shubman Gill on Sunday. Following his visit, Ganguly did not mince words in his assessment of the playing surface, stating it was “not the best Test wicket.”
Ganguly clarified that there was no controversy regarding the pitch's nature, revealing that head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management had specifically requested such a surface from the curator. Despite this, he stood by his criticism, adding, “unfortunately, India lost. They still should have got 120.”
Ganguly's Firm Backing for Gambhir and Shami
Despite the unfavorable result linked to the team's own request, Ganguly expressed unwavering support for the newly appointed head coach. “I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well for India in England, in ODIs, in T20 cricket. We will continue for a while, but we must play on good pitches,” Ganguly told reporters.
In a clear message to the team management, the former skipper also emphasized the critical role of senior pacer Mohammed Shami. He stressed the importance of having faith in the pace battery, stating, “He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. Spinners win Test matches for them, but the fast bowlers are crucial.”
“Win Test Matches in Five Days, Not Three”
Ganguly also offered a pointed piece of advice concerning India's recent trend of home Test matches finishing prematurely. “Win Test matches in five days, not three days,” he remarked, highlighting a desire for more balanced and enduring cricket contests rather than those dominated overwhelmingly by pitch conditions.
As the team prepares to travel to Guwahati on Tuesday for the second Test, which begins on November 22, all eyes are on the team management's final decision regarding Captain Shubman Gill's availability for the crucial must-win encounter.
