India cricket team’s batting woes have come to the fore again as the hosts succumbed to a 30-run loss to South Africa in the IND vs SA 1st Test. The contest, which spanned for just 3 days, saw majority of the Indian batters struggle, especially against Simon Harmer. India, who played their 2nd innings without captain Shubman Gill, failed to chase down what would have been the highest run-chase at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata in Tests, allowing SA to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Harmer spins India batters into misery, SA to win
On a surface that saw wickets falling at rapid-fast pace, the Indian batters clearly struggled despite being quite cautious. India would have thought they had the game in their hands after bundling out SA for 153 runs, with Siraj bagging two and Bumrah getting one wicket on Day 3. However, it was Harmer who once again caused the most harm for India.
Marco Jansen got rid of Yashasvi Jaiswal (0) and KL Rahul (1) within the first two overs, giving India an early blow in their run-chase. Jurel (13) was the next to depart as he became Harmer’s first victim in the 2nd innings. Pant (2) was the next one. Jadeja (18) and India’s new number 3 for the contest Washington Sundar (31) then tried to steady the ship with a 26-run partnership before the former was sent packing after being trapped for an LBW off Harmer. Meanwhile, the highest run-getter in the innings for India – Sundar – was outfoxed by Markram.
Axar (26), the last hope for India, managed to but up a brief fight before Maharaj joined the party. Harmer added a fourth wicket to his tally as Kuldeep was dismissed cheaply. Meanwhile, Maharaj hammered the final nail in the coffin as he dismissed Siraj to bowl out India for just 93 runs.
India’s struggle to play against spin at home has once again been exposed, bringing back memories of how they were demolished by New Zealand last year. Although the batters did much better in the 1st innings, they nevertheless remained clueless on how to tackle spin on a tricky surface in Kolkata. Additionally, they were without captain Gill – which means they were one batter short in both the innings. 12 wickets out of 18 that India lost were to spin.
Gautam Gambhir will now have to revisit his drawing board ahead of the 2nd Test and figure out the right team combination. For starters, the Indian team really needs to rethink it’s baffling tactic of playing six left-handers in the playing XI. And secondly, while promoting Sundar to number 3 wasn’t a bad idea, they already have an established option in the form of Sai Sudharsan who was surprisingly benched.
The victory marks the first time that South Africa have won a Test in India in 15 years. Meanwhile, the loss meant India have lost four out of the 8 Tests that they have played at home since Gambhir became the head coach.
Editor's Pick
Cricket
India squad for T20 World Cup: Shubman Gill's form big concern, Rinku vs Washi likely
Top Stories
