'He will deliver in future': Gautam Gambhir backs Indian batter after Kolkata Test defeat

Despite India's shocking 124-run chase failure against South Africa in Kolkata, head coach Gautam Gambhir backed Rishabh Pant, calling him a 'world-class batter' in Tests. Gambhir expressed confidence in Pant's ability to bounce back in upcoming matches, emphasizing support for his natural game. This defeat marked India's first home loss since 2012.

Rishabh Pant. (Credit: AP Photo/Aijaz Rahi)

India's head coach Gautam Gambhir defended wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant's performance after India's loss to South Africa in the first Test at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. India failed to chase a target of 124 runs in the fourth innings, getting bowled out for 93, with stand-in captain Pant scoring 27 and 2 in his comeback match after recovering from a foot injury. The defeat gave South Africa a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with regular captain Shubman Gill missing due to a neck injury.

'When you don't play well, this is what happens': Gautam Gambhir reacts to 1st Test defeat, points out what India lacked

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"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 loss marked India's first defeat at Eden Gardens since December 2012 against England. South African spinner Simon Harmer played a crucial role in the victory, claiming eight wickets across both innings, while captain Temba Bavuma contributed with a vital half-century. In India's failed chase, Harmer took 4 wickets for 21 runs, while Keshav Maharaj claimed 2 wickets for 15 runs. Marco Jansen also struck crucial blows by dismissing both Indian openers, finishing with figures of 2 for 15. The second Test of the series is scheduled to take place on November 22 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, where India will look to level the series.

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