Team India experienced a heartbreaking start to the series opener at Eden Gardens in Kolkata after facing a 30-run loss to South Africa.
A lackluster performance from the Indian batting line-up allowed the Proteas to secure their first-ever test match victory on Indian soil since 2010.
Although both teams struggled with their batting performance, Shubman Gill and his men failed to make an impact on turning tracks that required composure, consistent partnerships, and discipline.
Here are those five big mistakes that reveal the reasons behind India’s humiliating defeat in the first test in Kolkata.
1. Shubman Gill’s Absence A Big Blow
India’s batting line-up was short of a reliable batter, who is none other than the skipper, Shubman Gill. The 26-year-old suffered from a neck sprain while batting on Day 02 of the first innings.
Especially, on a sluggish pitch where batters faltered to compile runs, the absence of the team’s best performer in the longest format cost them an unforgettable defeat.
However, the match outcome would have been different if Gill had batted in both innings as well, given his recent form in tests.
As every run mattered a lot on such deteriorating pitches, Gill’s absence was indeed one of the key reasons for India’s defeat.
2. Weak Batting Performances in Both Innings
The Indian batting line-up succumbed to instant collapses in both innings. After restricting South Africa’s first innings total to 159 in 55 overs, the hosts missed out on an opportunity to take a massive lead.
KL Rahul’s 39-run knock out of 119 balls (including 4 fours and 1 six) turned out to be the highest score by any Indian batter in that match. Likewise, Washington Sundar (31 runs off 92 balls) in the second innings was another batter from his side to compile 30+ runs.
In the second innings, India’s batting deteriorated further in a pursuit to chase the 124 target as they were bowled out for 93 in 35 overs.
3. Rishabh Pant’s Questionable Tactics as Stand-In Captain
Rishabh Pant had an uphill task to lead the Indian side in Shubman Gill’s absence. But his illogical tactics backfired on his team’s plans in the following ways:
- Starting Day 03 with the duo combination of left-arm spinners — Axar Patel (1/24 in 10 overs) and Ravindra Jadeja (4/50 in 20 overs).
- Introducing a quality pace bowler like Jasprit Bumrah late into the bowling attack (After the 13th over of Day 03).
- Washington Sundar was not given a chance to bowl even a single over in the second innings. He was indeed the leading wicket-taker in the previous year’s home test series against New Zealand.
- Mohammed Siraj has bowled only 2 overs in the second innings despite taking 2 wickets.
As a consequence, Temba Bavuma scored an unbeaten 55-run knock out of 136 balls (including 4 fours).
The lack of impact from Indian bowlers and Pant’s tactical errors as captain allowed the Proteas skipper to build a 44-run partnership with Corbin Bosch, which turned out to be the turning point of the match.
4. Gautam Gambhir’s Too Much Preference for Turning Tracks
Despite a 0-3 whitewash to New Zealand in the previous year’s test series, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir’s favoritism for turning pitches remained the same ahead of the opening test in Kolkata.
In reality, the Eden Gardens’ pitches have been a nightmare for batters, having produced an outcome similar to the result of India’s three test matches that were played against New Zealand.
There wasn’t any fair contest between bat and ball, as spinners were able to produce more spin and variations than usual.
The Indian team is undergoing a transition phase, having a bunch of young talents in the squad. Playing on such turning tracks would not only pressurize the team after a loss, but also diminish the confidence of players in the squad as well.
5. The No.3 Batter Conundrum
Post the Rohit-Kohli era, India hasn’t found a reliable batter who could fill the void at the No.3 spot.
Shockingly, Washington Sundar replaced Sai Sudharsan, who was well set to become a permanent No.3 batter for India in tests. Although Sundar managed to compile 29 and 31 runs in the first and second innings respectively, but proved to be a noteworthy contributor when batting lower down the order.
Rather than promoting Washington in the batting line-up, India could have given a chance to other deserving talents like Sarfaraz Khan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Devdutt Padikkal, who are striving to secure a spot in the team. Moreover, these youngsters could have made a big impact when batting at third position.
Final Opinion
Excluding the proven opening combination of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal, the Indian cricket team’s selection received backlash.
The bowling line-up comprised four spinners and two pacers, and there wasn’t any back-up fast bowler who could have tilted the match in India’s favor. South Africa is now in a secure position after taking a 1-0 lead in the 2-match test series. With this win, the visitors can now either win or level the series as the focus now shifts towards the second test match on November 22 (Friday) in Guwahati.