IND vs SA Test Series: As the much awaited India – South Africa test series is just around the door, all eyes are set on the iconic Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata. The venue is known for its rich historical cricket heritage, and is expected to provide a turning track which may challenge the batters as well as the bowlers as the game progresses.
Gautam Gambhir’s inputs for pitch
Head Coach Gautam Gambhir’s input shapes pitch preparation. According to officials at the stadium , Gambhir has held long discussions with the ground staff regarding the nature of the pitch. The team management reportedly requested a surface which suits the spin faction. And offers ‘a bit of turn’ and also maintaining the balance between the bat and ball.
What curator said
Pitch curator Sujan Mukhija has stated that “The pitch will be good. It will be a good sporting wicket. As the days progress, there will be a turn. There will be bounce. But everybody batter and bowler, there is something for everybody on this pitch,”. Later, when asked about nature, he added, “How can I say that? Those who play will be able to tell this. Our job is to prepare the pitch and try to give a good pitch. I hope people who watch the match enjoy the contest between bat and ball.”.
Also Read: Who is Rashid Khan’s wife? Mystery woman behind buzz on social media – Star cricketer responds that…
Gill and coaching staff had long conversation
In the buildup for the first test of the series, Gambhir along with captain Shubhman Gill, bowling coach Morne Morkel and with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak were seen having a long conversation while inspecting the pitch. Before engaging in a detailed conversion with the pitch curator, they examined and analysed the softness and grass covering on the pitch. Their insane attention for the pitch shows that India are not leaving anything to chance, especially after the humiliating 3-0 defeat against the New Zealand at home test series earlier this year.
Eden Garden’s dynamics
Eden Gardens has always offered early movements to the fast bowler and then the pitch starts the break later, and then spinners come into play. India’s squad selection also suggested the conditions as they picked four frontline spinners, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Washington Sundar with three proper fast bowlers in the form of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Siraj and Akash Deep. While South Africa had Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthuswamy and Simon Harmer as their frontline spinners.
| PARAMETERS | DETAILS |
|---|---|
| Venue | Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India |
| Series | IND vs SA Test Series 2025 |
| Expected Conditions | Moderate conditions, good bounce, assistance to spinners from Day 3 (likely) |
| Key Focus | Bat-ball challenge and spin factor for Proteas |
About IND vs SA Test Series
Team India is set to face South Africa in a 2 match test series starting from November 14,2025 at Eden Gardens’ Kolkata. Shubhman Gill will lead the Indian side while the WTC winning captain Temba Bevuma is all set to lead Proteas.
Also Read: Internet erupts after Star Cricketer’s wife seen without hijab – What did he said?
