NEW DELHI: The Eden Gardens pitch has become the centre of a heated debate after India’s first Test against South Africa ended within three days, exposing deep divisions among cricketing greats and raising fresh questions about India’s struggles on turning tracks.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Head coach Gautam Gambhir strongly defended the surface, rejecting suggestions that the pitch was responsible for India’s 30-run defeat. “This is exactly the pitch we wanted and the curator was very helpful. There was nothing wrong with the pitch. We couldn’t handle the pressure of the fourth-innings’ chase and we need to improve,” Gambhir said.
He doubled down, insisting the conditions were fair. “There were no demons in this wicket. It was not unplayable… The majority of wickets have gone to seamers. This was a surface where your technique and mental toughness were tested. If you had the temperament to grind and bat long, you could score runs.”However, two giants of the game challenged Gambhir’s assessment. Former India captain Anil Kumble, speaking to host broadcaster JioStar, delivered a blunt verdict: “I have been coming to Kolkata for a long time and I have never seen a pitch like this at the Eden Gardens.”
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Dale Steyn was even sharper in his criticism. “There were definitely demons in the pitch. The batters couldn’t trust their defence… Even set batters like Temba Bavuma and Washington Sundar knew the next ball could have their name on it,” the former South Africa pacer said.The contrasting views come as India grapple with declining home dominance. Last year, India suffered a 0-3 defeat to New Zealand on similarly spin-friendly surfaces — their first home series loss since 2012 — triggering a transition marked by the retirements of Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and R Ashwin.India have now lost four of their last six home Tests and must win in Guwahati to keep the series alive.South Africa’s win — their first Test victory in India in 15 years — was built on a disciplined bowling display as India folded for 93 while chasing 124. Simon Harmer (4-21), Keshav Maharaj (2-37) and Marco Jansen (2-15) dismantled the hosts on a treacherous surface, completing a rare three-day victory.India were also hampered by the loss of captain Shubman Gill, who was hospitalised with a neck spasm and ruled out mid-match, leaving the team a batter short.The second Test begins on November 22 in Guwahati, with India facing mounting pressure — and a growing pitch debate.
