The recent Test match between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens in Kolkata concluded in a dramatic fashion, with India suffering a batting collapse in the fourth innings, resulting in a 30-run defeat. The loss has triggered a significant debate surrounding the pitch conditions and the team's approach. Former India captain and current Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president, Sourav Ganguly, has weighed in on the controversy, clarifying the roles of the BCCI curators and the team management in the pitch preparation.
India were chasing a target of 124 runs but were bundled out for a meager 93, marking their first instance of being dismissed for under 100 in the fourth innings of a Test. The pitch at Eden Gardens exhibited erratic behavior from the first over, characterized by significant turn and uneven bounce. Despite these challenging conditions, head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch, asserting that there were "no demons" in it and placing the responsibility for the defeat on the batters.
Ganguly, in an interview with India Today, stated that the BCCI-appointed curators took control of the pitch preparation four days before the Test match. He clarified that the CAB had no direct involvement in preparing the final Test surface once the BCCI team arrived. Ganguly said, "No, no, I don't get involved at all. Curators from the BCCI come and take over the wickets four days before the Test match". He also mentioned that CAB has their own curator, Sujan Mukherjee, who has performed exceptionally well over a long period.
Ganguly admitted that the pitch was not up to the standard. He stated, "It was not the greatest, I'll have to completely admit, and I think the top-order batting, the middle-order batting, you know, deserves a better cricketing surface". He also added, "It was a full house at Eden Gardens for those three days, and I completely believe that Gautam Gambhir and his team in India must play on much better wickets than what they played at Eden Gardens".
Echoing Ganguly's sentiment, Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee said that he was simply following the instructions given by the Indian team management led by Gautam Gambhir. Mukherjee stated that "Sometimes it is beyond our control, and we try to keep the request of the team and the coach, and the captain. And that is what we do, so that's what it is". He also noted that Gambhir had said after the game that he wanted that sort of a pitch and was given that sort of a pitch.
Ganguly also emphasized the importance of balance, better decision-making, and trusting the team's strengths. He also advised the Test side to aim to "Win Test matches in five days, not three days".
The loss has sparked criticism regarding India's strategy and approach to home Tests. Some experts suggest that India's over-reliance on spin-friendly tracks is backfiring, as seen in this match where South Africa's Simon Harmer exploited the conditions to his advantage. The incident has led to a broader discussion on whether India should move away from preparing extreme turners and focus on producing better, more balanced pitches.
