After India’s Stunning 93 All Out, Eden Gardens Pitch Curator Rejects Criticism Over Pitch
Eden Gardens pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee defended the pitch after the first Test between India and South Africa finished in just two days. India were bowled out for only 93 while chasing 124, losing the match by 30 runs. This was their first time at home getting dismissed for under 100 in a fourth innings. With this loss, India fell 0-1 behind in the series and now face the chance of losing two home series in 13 months. South Africa held their nerve and defended one of their lowest targets in Test history, helped by Simon Harmer, who took eight wickets in the match.
Amid strong criticism and even calls to ban the venue, Mukherjee said the pitch was not bad and that he only followed the instructions he was given. He also said he knows how to make a proper Test pitch and always puts his full effort into the work.
“This pitch is not bad at all. I know people are questioning it, but I know how to prepare a Test match pitch. That’s what I did, and I followed the instructions given to me,” Mukherjee said in an interview with Times Now Bangla. “I don’t worry about what others say because not everyone knows everything. I just do my work with full dedication, and I want to keep doing that in the future.”
Ganguly Backs Team Request, Urges India to Trust Fast Bowlers
After India’s loss in Kolkata, coach Gautam Gambhir said the Eden Gardens pitch was exactly what the team had asked for and that the batters must learn to adjust. CAB president Sourav Ganguly agreed, saying the pitch was prepared based on the Indian team’s request. He also said India should believe in themselves on good pitches and trust their fast bowlers Shami, Bumrah and Siraj.
Ganguly said the team had given clear instructions for the pitch and added, “I am very fond of Gautam… but we must play on good pitches.” He also said India should trust their fast bowlers, saying “He must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami, and in the spinners who win Test matches for them. Win Test matches in five days, not three days.” India will now try to bounce back in the second Test starting on November 22 in Guwahati.
