Sourav Ganguly's big statement: "There was no demand for a spin-friendly pitch at Eden Gardens" - Revelation before the India-South Africa Test
The two-match Test series between India and South Africa is set to begin on Friday at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Ahead of this crucial match, Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president and former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly has made a big statement regarding the pitch. Ganguly clarified that the Indian team management has not made any specific demand for a spin-friendly pitch.
Coach Gambhir and Kotak inspected the pitch
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir arrived in Kolkata with the team late Sunday night after returning from the Australia tour. On Monday morning, he inspected the Eden Gardens pitch along with batting coach Sitanshu Kotak. In the evening, Sourav Ganguly also inspected the pitch, after which the ground was completely covered to protect it from dew and rain.
When Ganguly was asked if the Indian team management had requested a spin track (Rank Turner), he replied, "They haven't said anything about it yet. I can't answer that question. The pitch looks very good."
Eden Gardens Pitch Status
Two Ranji Trophy matches have been played at Eden Gardens so far this season. According to reports, the pitch in those matches has been relatively slow and didn't offer much assistance to the fast bowlers. CAB curator Sujan Mukherjee expressed satisfaction with the pitch and said that coach Gautam Gambhir was also happy with the pitch.
Mukherjee said, "Gambhir asked when the pitch would start to help the spinners. I told him that it would start turning from the third day. Both batsmen and bowlers will find assistance on this wicket."
Focus on Spinners' Strategy
- India's strategy on this Eden Gardens pitch will be quite interesting. India faced difficulties playing on highly spinning tracks in the recent home Test series against New Zealand. Therefore, the team is looking to avoid preparing a highly turning wicket this time around.
- On the other hand, South Africa also boasts a formidable spin attack. They boast left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, off-spinner Simon Harmer, and left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy, who recently performed exceptionally well during the Pakistan tour.
A Balanced Pitch Expected
According to pitch reports, the Eden Gardens surface will favor batsmen for the first two days, while the spinners' role will increase from the third day. Cricket experts believe that this will be a balanced wicket where both bowlers and batsmen will have to adapt their strategies to achieve success.
Sourav Ganguly's statement makes it clear that India intends to play on a pitch that is balanced to suit the conditions, rather than one that favors one department. This is likely to increase the excitement of the Test match.
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