Overview
- South Africa beat India by 30 runs at Eden Gardens to take a 1–0 lead, with the match ending inside three days after India were bowled out for 93 chasing 124.
- Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly said the pitch was left unwatered for four days at India’s request, a decision Gambhir confirmed and defended as fair.
- Experts including Anil Kumble, Dale Steyn, Ravichandran Ashwin, Cheteshwar Pujara, Harbhajan Singh and Kris Srikkanth criticised the surface and urged a return to more balanced home wickets.
- Simon Harmer claimed eight wickets and the player‑of‑the‑match award, while Temba Bavuma’s unbeaten 55 was the game’s top score; India were without captain Shubman Gill due to a neck spasm and his fitness remains uncertain.
- The defeat extends India’s recent home struggles, draws scrutiny of selection and tactics under Gambhir and Ajit Agarkar, drops India to fourth in the WTC standings, and sets up a must‑win second Test in Guwahati on Nov. 22.