The historic Eden Gardens, known for producing memorable cricketing moments, has become the center of outrage as fans and former players slam the pitch used for the India vs South Africa 1st Test. What was expected to be a competitive contest quickly turned into a survival battle, with uneven bounce and excessive spin dominating from Day 1.

A Pitch That Shocked Everyone

Drama unfolded early as 24 wickets fell before the final hour of Day 2, an alarming statistic even for the most bowler-friendly conditions. Despite assurances from CAB president Sourav Ganguly that the wicket would offer a fair contest, batters struggled from the start. In the opening over itself, Jasprit Bumrah saw the ball rise sharply, then skid low, signalling trouble ahead.

Also Read:IPL 2025: Sourav Ganguly fights for Eden Gardens to host summit clash

Wickets Tumble in Clusters

South Africa were bundled out for 159, Bumrah taking a brilliant five-for. India didn’t fare much better, collapsing for 189, with KL Rahul’s gritty 39 being the only highlight.

The chaos continued as South Africa’s second innings began, sliding to 66 for 5. Ravindra Jadeja spun a web around the batters, picking up four wickets and making full use of the treacherous pitch.

Fans Call the Pitch “Dangerous” and “Disappointing”

Advertisement

Viewers took to X to express their frustration, calling the surface “a disgrace”, “dangerous”, and unfit for Test cricket. Many questioned why India would risk another rank turner after last year’s disastrous 0–3 loss to New Zealand.

Some feared the Test would end by Day 3 despite the massive crowds that turned up. Others criticised the Eden curator after he had promised a sporting wicket just a day earlier.