Overview
- India were bowled out for 93 chasing 124 at Eden Gardens, losing by 30 runs on a sharply turning, uneven surface as Simon Harmer took eight wickets and the Player of the Match award.
- Head coach Gautam Gambhir said the pitch was exactly what India wanted, a stance that drew rebukes from Sunil Gavaskar and others who argued curators should operate independently.
- Shubman Gill suffered a neck injury in the first Test, and reports citing medical advice say he may not travel to Guwahati, leaving his availability for the decider in doubt.
- The defeat renewed scrutiny of India’s recent home results on extreme turners, with critics pointing to last year’s 0-3 New Zealand sweep and urging a return to more balanced pitches.
- Analysts contend India are undervaluing their pace and all-round bowling depth on sporting tracks, while South Africa’s experienced spin pair showed such surfaces can neutralize India’s intended advantage.