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Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden Gardens pitch after India’s 30-run loss to South Africa, praising curator Sujan Mukherjee.
Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir with Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee (PTI)
The Eden Garden pitch was the cause of much controversy after India’s 30-run historic defeat to South Africa in the opening match of the two-Test series in Kolkata. Many former players and fans questioned why a surface with inconsistent bounce and minimal support for batters was chosen for such an important match.
The India head coach Gautam Gambhir had strongly defended the challenging Eden Gardens pitch, stating it was precisely the kind of track they wanted ahead of the first Test against South Africa.
On Tuesday, the team returned to Eden Gardens for an optional training session. Sai Sudharsan and Dhruv Jurel spent time in the nets while Gambhir observed the practice closely from the sidelines. The highlight of the day wasn’t the batting drills but the warm and friendly exchange between Gambhir and pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee. Visuals viral on social media showed Gambhir chatting calmly with Mukherjee and even hugging him, indicating no tension between them despite the noise surrounding the pitch.
Gambhir Wanted Turning Track
“It was not an unplayable wicket. This (pitch) is exactly what we asked for and this is what we got, the curator (Sujan Mukherjee) here was very supportive. I think it’s a wicket that can judge your mental toughness, as ones who played with good defence scored runs,” Gambhir was quoted as saying at the post-match press conference on Sunday.
Gambhir referenced the performances of Temba Bavuma (55 not out) and Washington Sundar (31 off 92 balls) to support his argument.
“This is exactly the pitch we were looking for. There were no demons or not unplayable. Axar, Temba, Washington made runs. If you say this is a turning wicket, majority wickets were taken by seamers,” he added.
Gambhir also explained that the hosts preferred such an unwatered pitch to make the toss less crucial.
“We ask for the pitch to aid spinners from day one so that toss doesn’t become crucial. Had we won the Test you wouldn’t be asking or discussing so much about pitch. We’ve got the guys to deliver in any condition,” he added.
With Gambhir publicly acknowledging the team’s role in requesting a spin-heavy wicket, the debate around the Eden Gardens pitch is likely to subside. The focus now shifts to how India will respond in the second Test and whether the strategy of preparing turning tracks will be effective as the series progresses.
(With inputs from Agencies)
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin…Read More
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket content, havin… Read More
November 18, 2025, 11:51 IST
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