Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir backs India’s batter despite Test loss, says, ‘He will…’

New Delhi: Team India’s head coach, Gautam Gambhir, supported wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant following India’s defeat to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. While chasing 124 in the fourth innings, India suffered a batting collapse as they were bowled out for 93, with stand-in captain Pant contributing 27 and 2 in his return match after recovering from a foot injury.

South Africa lead the 1-0 series

The loss put South Africa ahead 1-0 in the two-match series, as regular captain Shubman Gill sat out with a neck injury.

“From Rishabh’s point of view, he’s a world-class batter in this format. He plays in a certain way. He can take the game away as well. And we’ll keep backing him to play this way as well because sometimes you’ve got to tell people to play the natural game and, more importantly, be a little smart as well. So, I think he’s playing after a long time and I’m sure he will deliver in future,” Gambhir told reporters.

The defeat was India’s first at Eden Gardens since December 2012, when they lost to England.

Simon Harmer delivered a sensational performance in the win

South African spinner Simon Harmer delivered a sensational performance in the victory, as he picked eight wickets across both innings, while skipper Temba Bavuma contributed with a crucial half-century.

During India’s unsuccessful chase, Harmer grabbed 4 wickets conceding 21 runs, Keshav Maharaj took 2 for 15, and Marco Jansen played a key role by dismissing both Indian openers, ending with figures of 2 for 15.

The second Test match is all set to take place on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where India will aim to level the series.

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