“People have agendas…”- Sitanshu Kotak reacts to Gautam Gambhir’s comment on Eden Gardens surface

The batting coach of the Indian side, Shitanshu Kotak, has stood behind the head coach, Gautam Gambhir, regarding the Eden Gardens surface post the opening Test against South Africa. The 22-yard grab grabbed headlines with the game ending in less than three days after the Blue Brigade got bundled out for 93 in their fourth innings chase of 124 runs.

Kotak reckoned that everyone had an agenda against Gautam Gambhir, and that was the reason for them in making such a comment. He addressed that Gambhir took it on themselves, where he informed that it was the same pitch that they wanted from the curator, Sujan Mukherjee, ahead of the Kolkata clash.

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“Everyone is going after only Gautam Gambhir, perhaps because certain individuals have an agenda. No one is talking about how the players have performed. Gambhir took it upon himself, but we have been asking for a pitch that will start turning from day three, and the match lasts three to four and a half days.” Kotak expressed in the pre-match press conference.

Shitanshu Kotak backs Gautam Gambhir’s comment on Eden Gardens pitch during IND vs SA 1st Test

It was not a great pitch for the batter, who struggled with the bat across both innings. Simon Harmer went through the Indian line-up with eight wickets, while Marco Jansen also picked up vital wickets with the bat using the short balls against the top order of the Indian side.

There is concern about their captain and number three batter, Shubman Gill, who is expected to be ruled out of the second Test in Guwahati. Kotak reckoned that if he doesn’t get fit for the encounter, the management would be happy to have different options in the batting department, as Rishabh Pant is expected to lead the side.

“Gill is definitely recovering really well. Now, the decision will be taken tomorrow evening. Even if he's fully recovered, we have to ensure he doesn't spasm in the game again. If Shubman had batted in both innings in Kolkata, that would be 30 runs. If he recovers well, he will play. If he feels that he needs time, we have good replacements.” Kotak explained.