Eden Gardens Pitch Sparks 'RIP Test Cricket' Debate as India Lead SA
Eden Gardens Pitch Sparks 'RIP Test Cricket' Debate as India Lead SA
Eden Gardens pitch triggers a heated debate as India edge ahead against South Africa, with former stars condemning the surface while Ashwin defends it.
Kolkata's Eden Gardens has again become the talking point of a cricket Test as fans and former players debate whether the surface suits the longer format. The pitch produced unpredictable bounce and turn, drawing sharp criticism on Day 2 of the India vs South Africa Test, with India taking a slender lead after SA's 159 in their first innings.
South Africa were bowled out for 159 in their first innings, and India managed a slender 30-run lead in reply. By stumps on Day 2, the visitors were 93 for 7, with India holding a 63-run advantage and momentum looking delicate as the hosts pressed to extend control.
Harbhajan Singh publicly blasted the surface on X, saying the match had made Test cricket almost unrecognizable and tagging it a 'mockery'. Michael Vaughan joined the debate with a blunt assessment: 'Awful pitch in Kolkata', while Australian former captain Aaron Finch offered a different spin, inviting followers to weigh in on the type of wicket.
Ravichandran Ashwin countered the criticism by defending the surface, arguing that the most decisive factor was technique rather than conditions, and noted the resilience shown by Temba Bavuma as proof that good batting can still prevail on such tracks. The debate has become a talking point beyond the field as commentators question what a true Test surface should look like.
Cover image source: IND vs SA first Test: Captain Shubman Gill retires hurt with neck sprain 🔗
