Mon Nov 17 20:02:59 UTC 2025: News Article:

Kolkata Test Pitch Sparks Debate: Ganguly and Gavaskar Defend Gambhir’s Request

KOLKATA: The recent India vs. South Africa Test match at Eden Gardens concluded in under three days, with India’s unexpected loss while chasing a modest target of 124 igniting a controversy over the pitch conditions and the team’s batting performance.

Following criticism aimed at pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has shifted the focus back to the Indian camp, led by coach Gautam Gambhir. Ganguly asserted that the pitch was prepared according to the team’s specific request.

“The pitch is what the Indian camp wanted,” Ganguly told News18 Bangla. “This is what happens when you don’t water the pitch for four days. Curator Sujan Mukherjee can’t be blamed.”

Gambhir confirmed Ganguly’s statement in the post-match press conference, stating, “This pitch is exactly what we requested, and this is what we got. The curator, Sujan Mukherjee, was very supportive.” He added that the wicket tested mental fortitude, rewarding players with solid defensive techniques.

Adding to the debate, legendary batsman Sunil Gavaskar has voiced his support for Gambhir, stating that the coach shouldn’t be faulted for the pitch conditions. “Totally agree with Gautam Gambhir. 124 was chaseable on this pitch. There was no question about it,” Gavaskar told India Today.

Gavaskar further argued that the pitch wasn’t excessively challenging and attributed India’s batting woes to poor technique and temperament. He cited South Africa captain Temba Bavuma’s half-century as an example of how to succeed on the same surface. “Poor technique and poor temperament have landed us in this situation,” he said. “The Indian batters had the example of Temba Bavuma, who batted with real temperament, technique, and dedication.”

The controversy surrounding the Kolkata pitch highlights the ongoing debate about the influence of home conditions on Test cricket outcomes and the performance of the Indian batting lineup against spin.

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