“How can you play in this kind of goal?”

old blender Kris Srikanth proposed a strong interpretation India head coach Gautam GambhirStatement on the field after the defeat against South Africa. The hosts lost the first Test by 30 runs in the Gardens of Eden in Calcutta.

It should be noted that the match ended in two and a half days. It was a tricky surface as batsmen from both sides struggled. However, during the post-match press conference, Gautam Gambhir claimed that there were no demons on the field and that the batsmen should have applied themselves better.

Kris Srikkanth disagreed with Gambhir's statement on the pitch. The former opener wondered how the batsmen could have played on such a surface. He questioned the choice of going for such a wicket and then called out Gambhir for blaming the batsmen's techniques.

“What I don't understand is, Gambhir said there are no demons and you should show better technique and all that. How can you play on this kind of wicket? So many batsmen have tried to defend and got out at slips or lbw. Let's face it, this South Africa is not a strong batting line-up or a strong side. Why do you want to continue with this wicket technique and then this technique is not bad? It doesn't matter who you are, how can you survive with that wicket, but that was just one player of all,” he said on his YouTube channel.

Kris Srikkanth called for an even match between bat and ball. He recalled how India could do well in England and draw the series because the wickets made for an even contest. The former batsman reflected on how the pitch was uneven in Kolkata, while some deliveries were also shooting, making it difficult for the batsmen.

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Kris Srikkanth still hits the pitch for IND vs SA 2025 first test

Kris Srikkanth further hit the pitch used for the first Test between the two teams. In six Tests at home under Gambhir, this was India's fourth defeat. He highlighted how the hosts have been preparing these ports for a while but have not learned from their mistakes. They had suffered a 3-0 whitewash at home against New Zealand last year.

“This is a horrible record at home. We are playing full sides. Gambhir said this is the wicket we were asking for but this is not the wicket you should play Test cricket on. The ball is spinning from day one. We are doing this for many years and we don't learn from mistakes. Everything is wrong with this wicket. Even if I bowled on this track, I would say to get a stump.”

Kris Srikkanth called out Gambhir pointing out how both teams were struggling to score runs. He asked how there couldn't be demons if both teams were hard to beat.

“This is a crappy track. You can't say you have to apply yourself on such a crappy track. If no team is scoring more runs, how can it be a good wicket? He's talking nonsense. Everyone is struggling. Both teams were struggling. Whether it's under pressure or not, I don't know, but India is under pressure now.”

south africa they were bowled out for 159 in the first innings. In reply, India were all out for just 189. The visitors managed to score 153 in the second innings, while the hosts were bowled out for 93 chasing 124.