- By Namrata Vijay
- Sun, 16 Nov 2025 04:15 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
IND vs SA 1st Test: India's Test skipper Shubman Gill didn't bat in the fourth innings of the series opener against South Africa, which the host lost by 30 runs in three days. Post losing a Test match to South Africa after 15 years, Gautam Gambhir, who is the head coach of the Indian team, attended the press conference where he provided a huge update on Gill's fitness before the second Test.
India will lock horns with South Africa for the second Test next week in Guwahati.
As per Gambhir, Gill is still being monitored, and the team physio will then make a final decision.
“He (Gill) is still being assessed. So, let’s see. The physios will take a call this evening, and we will take a call," Gambhir told reporters in the post-match press conference.
‘Pitch was not unplayable’
He also tried to defend the tough pitch in Eden Gardens and said that it was the same pitch that they had asked for.
“It was not an unplayable wicket. This (pitch) is exactly what we asked for, and this is what we got. The curator (Sujan Mukherjee) here was very supportive. I think it’s a wicket that can judge your mental toughness, as those who played with good defence scored runs," he added.
“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. There were no demons or unplayable. Axar, Temba, and Washington made runs. If you say this is a turning wicket, the majority of wickets were taken by seamers," he said.
He also said that they wanted such an unwatered surface as it would have helped them to nullify the effect of losing a toss.
“We ask for the pitch to aid spinners from day one so that toss doesn’t become crucial. Had we won the Test, you wouldn’t be asking or discussing so much about the pitch. We’ve got the guys to deliver in any condition," he concluded.