(Image source from: AFP)

India reached an unfortunate milestone as they lost by 30 runs in their first Test match against South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday. While trying to achieve a target of 124, India was all out for only 93, with only Washington Sundar scoring above 30. The batting performance was very disappointing as South African spinner Simon Harmer took four wickets, while Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj each grabbed two. This was the first occasion since 1997 that India could not reach a target below 125 in Test matches. The previous incident happened in 1997 when India failed to chase a target of 120 in Bridgetown, getting all out for just 81, resulting in a 38-run victory for the West Indies.

On the same day, India's head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly defended the challenging pitch at Eden Gardens, stating it was exactly what they had hoped for before the Test against South Africa. India was dismissed for 93 while trying to reach a target of 124, leading to a defeat by 30 runs. "This wicket was not impossible to play on. This (pitch) is just what we requested, and we received that, with the curator (Sujan Mukherjee) being very helpful. I believe it is a surface that tests your mental strength, as those who played with solid defense managed to score," Gambhir mentioned during the press conference after the match. He then referred to Temba Bavuma (who scored 55 not out) and Washington Sundar (who made 31 from 92 balls) to support his point. "This is precisely the pitch we were aiming for. It wasn’t tricky or unplayable. Axar, Temba, and Washington scored runs. If you claim this is a pitch that spins, most wickets fell to seam bowlers," he added.

Lowest targets India failed to chase down:

120 vs West Indies - Bridgetown 1997
124 vs South Africa - Eden Gardens 2025
147 vs New Zealand - Wankhede 2024
176 vs Sri Lanka - Galle 2015
193 vs England - Lord's 2025.