A full-blown pitch controversy has erupted in the India–South Africa Kolkata Test, with the match hurtling towards a three-day finish on a surface that deteriorated from the opening session.
When fans and pundits alike debated the quality of the pitch, Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly provided a striking clarification-the pitch was prepared precisely the way Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management had wanted it.
Did the Gambhir & Team Indian ask for This Pitch?
Yes, says Sourav Ganguly, with both India and South Africa failing to cross even 200 in any innings, spotlight initially fell on curator Sujan Mukherjee.
Ganguly shifted the responsibility back to the national team management, telling News18 Bangla, “The pitch is what the Indian camp wanted. This is what happens when you don’t water the pitch for four days. Curator Sujan Mukherjee can’t be blamed.”
This revelation points out that the dry and cracking surface was not an error or oversight, but rather a conscious demand.
Why Did the Eden Garden Pitch Break Up So Early?
Several ex-cricketers believe that the lack of moisture was the main factor.
Dinesh Karthik provided valuable insight, “The pitch wasn’t watered the night before the match. That’s why it broke up so early.”
Four days without water produced a fragile crust, leading to an excess amount of turn with wildly inconsistent bounce conditions that tried even the most seasoned batters.
Did South Africa’s Camp Raise Concerns?
Yes. Batting coach Ashwell Prince said, “You can’t commit to a shot when the ball shoots or stays low randomly.”
Are Former Players Calling for Perspective on Eden Gardens Pitch?
Former Proteas pacer Vernon Philander urged the cricketing world to not shift all attention to the surface, “Talk about the players, not the pitch. Test cricket is about adapting.”
Is There Concern About Test Cricket’s Future?
Harbhajan Singh offered a sharp warning about overly doctored surfaces, “If we keep serving this, Test cricket won’t need opponents to die: we’ll kill it ourselves.”
His comments reflect growing fears that extreme pitches may turn casual fans away from the longest format.
Will ICC penalize Eden Gardens?
A “poor” rating from the ICC is very likely, with the match seemingly heading for an early finish, and that comes with demerit points that could affect a venue’s eligibility to host major internationals over time.
What Does This Mean for Gautam Gambhir’s Team Management?
The controversy brings India’s current gameplan under the scanner. Home advantage has always tilted towards pitches that assist spin, but the Eden Gardens track might be seen as overly slanted.
Gambhir’s intention to test South Africa’s batting may have merit as a tactic, but the extreme deterioration has sparked a much broader debate about fairness, balance, and cricketing spectacle.
