Former India captain and ex-chairman of selectors Kris Srikkanth has come down hard on Gautam Gambhir after India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens. The hosts, chasing just 124 in their second innings, succumbed for a mere 93 runs on a turning track that has sparked heated debate over pitch preparation and accountability.

The surface at Eden Gardens was under heavy scrutiny as fans and pundits voiced their disappointment with a Test that wrapped up in just 2.5 days. However, during the post-match press conference, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch, stating it was exactly what the team had requested. He suggested that the batters lacked the technique to counter spin on such surfaces.

But Srikkanth found that logic flawed. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he strongly criticised Gambhir’s stance, questioning how a pitch where almost every batter struggled—except Temba Bavuma—could be considered playable. “The point I don’t understand is, Gambhir said, there are no demons, and you should show better technique. But how can you play on this kind of a wicket?” he asked.

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Srikkanth pointed out that several players were dismissed trying to defend, falling to slip catches or lbw decisions. He added that this South African team isn’t known for its batting strength, raising more concerns about the quality of the track rather than Indian players’ technique.

“This South Africa is not a strong batting line-up or a strong side. Why persist with these bad wickets and then blame the technique of players? Bavuma managed, yes, but that’s just one player. You can’t justify this track because one guy scored,” he added.

Kris also criticised India’s recent home record under Gambhir, noting that the team has lost four of their last six Tests on home soil — an alarming statistic considering the strength of the sides fielded. He stated that such pitches are not conducive to Test cricket, especially when they spin excessively from Day 1.

“This is a horrible home record. We’re playing full-strength sides against New Zealand and South Africa. And yet, this is what we’re producing? The ball is turning from the first day. We’ve been doing this for years without learning. Everything is wrong with this wicket,” he reiterated.

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Calling the pitch “crappy,” Kris Srikkanth said it was absurd for Gambhir to ask players to apply themselves better on such a surface. “If no team can score runs, how can it be a good wicket? Everyone is struggling. Whether Gambhir is under pressure or not, India definitely is.”

India now head to Guwahati for the second Test starting November 22, with a point to prove — not just with bat and ball, but also in how they manage conditions at home.