India batting coach Sitansu Kotak has defended head coach Gautam Gambhir amid the pitch controversy in Kolkata after India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in a Test that ended within three days. Kotak, 53, said Gambhir assumed responsibility for the rank turner to protect the pitch curators, noting that much of the criticism stems from personal agendas.
The head coach had earlier stated that the team had intentionally opted for a rank turner for the series opener. Speaking to reporters ahead of the second Test, Kotak said (as reported by India Today):
“Gautam said he took the blame on himself because he didn’t want the curators to take the blame. Definitely, when we play in India—just like other countries play to their strengths—we rely on spin. We usually expect matches to last four to four-and-a-half days with some help for spin. Fast bowlers remain in the game on Day 1 and Day 2.”
He further continued:
“What happened in the last game was unexpected. After Day 1, the pitch started crumbling. Even the curator didn’t want that. Spin was expected, but not that much, and certainly not on Day 1 or the morning of Day 2.
“People are only talking about Gautam Gambhir. Nobody is mentioning what the batters did or even what the batting coach could have done better. In the games we lose, it becomes all about Gambhir. Maybe some people have their individual agendas, which is very bad,” Kotak added.
“Only Some Batters Are Briefed On Role Before Tests”- Kotak
Sitanshu Kotak further mentioned that only certain batters are informed about the style of cricket they are expected to play before a Test match.
“We can only discuss things before the match. Someone needs to take risks, someone needs to play busy cricket. These are things we talk about.”
The comment followed criticism from former cricketers like Mohammad Kaif and Kris Srikkanth, who condemned Gambhir for playing on a heavily turning pitch, while ex-India captain Sunil Gavaskar, Robin Uthappa, and others voiced their support for the embattled coach.
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