India vs South Africa: Rank turner pitch likely at the Eden Gardens for the IND vs SA 1st Test? Check details
Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly has dismissed rumours suggesting that the Indian team management requested a rank turner for the opening Test against South Africa, scheduled to begin at the Eden Gardens on Friday, November 14. His clarification came amid widespread speculation about the nature of the pitch being prepared for the first match of the two-Test series. With South Africa boasting a strong spin attack, reports had hinted that India might opt for a spin-friendly wicket to gain an early advantage. However, Ganguly clarified that no such directive had been given to the curators, emphasizing that the Eden surface would be prepared as per standard Test-match conditions.
Eden Gardens pitch report for the India vs South Africa 1st Test
India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who recently returned from Australia along with members of the white-ball squad, visited the iconic venue on Monday morning to inspect the pitch alongside batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. Later in the day, Ganguly himself reviewed the wicket’s preparation before instructing the ground staff to cover the square to safeguard it from dew and possible rain.
“Well, they haven’t asked for it yet. So I won’t be able to answer the question. It looks a very good wicket," stated former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly.
The Eden Gardens pitch has already seen action this domestic season, hosting two Ranji Trophy matches, both of which offered a glimpse into how the surface might behave during the upcoming Test. On each occasion, the wicket played slightly on the slower side, providing limited early movement for the pacers. In one of those games, Bengal’s pace-heavy attack initially found it difficult to make inroads against Uttarakhand, before veteran speedster Mohammed Shami produced a brilliant, game-changing spell to turn the contest in the home side’s favour.
Although the pitch has not been watered since Saturday, CAB curator Sujan Mukherjee expressed satisfaction with its current condition, noting that it remains firm and well-prepared. He also mentioned that India head coach Gautam Gambhir, who inspected the pitch earlier in the week, seemed content with what he observed. During the inspection, Gambhir reportedly asked Mukherjee about when the surface might start offering assistance to the spinners. The curator responded that while the opening two days would likely favour batsmen, spinners could come into play from the third day onward. With that balance, the Eden surface promises to provide a fair contest between bat and ball when India face South Africa in the series opener.
Traditionally, the Eden Gardens pitch has not been known for offering significant spin in the early stages of a Test match. The surface generally provides some movement for the seamers during the first hour before easing out into a batting-friendly track. However, CAB curator Sujan Mukherjee indicated that the conditions this time could bring turn into play a little earlier, depending on the weather and how quickly the surface begins to wear naturally.
South Africa will arrive in Kolkata with a confident and well-balanced spin attack led by left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, along with off-spinner Simon Harmer and left-arm orthodox Senuran Muthusamy, a trio that impressed in their recent drawn series against Pakistan. India, on the other hand, will be cautious after their shock home defeat to New Zealand in Pune last year, where Mitchell Santner’s 13-wicket haul handed the visitors their maiden Test series win on Indian soil.
On the eve of the much-anticipated India vs South Africa Test match at Eden Gardens, the Dalmiya Memorial Lecture will take place, serving as one of the marquee events leading up to the contest. This year’s lecture will feature legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar as the keynote speaker. Gavaskar, who shared a close association with the late Jagmohan Dalmiya, is expected to reflect on Dalmiya’s lasting contributions to Indian and world cricket, as well as the evolution of the sport over the years. Adding a symbolic touch to the occasion, a specially minted commemorative coin featuring the images of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela will be used for the toss on match day.
