With the opening Test of the two-match India vs South Africa series just days away, the iconic Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata is under the spotlight for all the right and some concerning reasons. During an optional training session held four days before the match, Indian captain Shubman Gill and key coaching staff including Gautam Gambhir extensively inspected the pitch — raising subtle but notable concerns over the surface’s condition.
Pitch Inspection and Player Concerns
Only seven players attended the training session, with several squad members skipping the optional warm-up. After practice, Gill along with bowling coach Morne Morkel evaluated the pitch’s firmness and appearance. The surface, reportedly left unwatered for over a week, appeared dry and brown with faint grass patches. The Indian management’s expressions indicated some dissatisfaction with the track’s current state.
Shubman Gill summoned Eden Gardens’ pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee for a detailed 15-minute discussion about the surface’s condition and its impact on gameplay. Post-inspection, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly also visited the venue for a firsthand look and consultation with the curator. While the main pitch remained dry, surrounding squares were watered to maintain some moisture.
What the Pitch Means for the Test Match
The Eden Gardens pitch in recent domestic Ranji Trophy matches has shown early resistance to pace bowlers, with Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep initially struggling before exploiting later conditions. The South African team, boasting a balanced attack of pace spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen and experienced spinners Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, and Keshav Maharaj, is well-equipped to adapt and take advantage.
Pitch curator Mukherjee and CAB president Ganguly have both indicated the wicket will offer a sporting contest, with good bounce and some turn as the match progresses. This balance is critical as India’s lineup includes both potent fast bowlers and world-class spinners.
Context: Importance of Eden Gardens in Test Cricket
Eden Gardens, long known for its rich cricketing history, hosted its last Test match in the 2019 India-Bangladesh pink ball game. The pitch has evolved from earlier spin-friendly surfaces to one that now offers pace and bounce, challenging bowlers and batsmen alike.
As teams prepare for the first Test starting November 14, the pitch’s condition will likely influence team strategies and player performances. Indian management’s cautious approach to pitch inspection reflects their intent to ensure preparedness against a formidable South African side.
Conclusion
The pitch concerns at Eden Gardens have added a layer of intrigue to the upcoming India vs South Africa Test series. With careful monitoring by Indian leaders like Shubman Gill and Sourav Ganguly, fans can expect a thrilling and competitive contest on a surface that promises balanced cricketing action. Stay tuned as the cricketing drama unfolds on November 14 at this iconic venue.
