With just two days left for the highly anticipated India vs South Africa 1st Test at Eden Gardens, reports have emerged that the Indian management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, has requested a “bit of turn” from the ground staff ahead of the series opener.
Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee confirmed the request, shedding light on the nature of the wicket prepared for the match beginning November 14 — which also marks Shubman Gill’s second home series in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Curator reveals India’s pitch demand
Speaking to India Today after India’s optional practice session, Mukherjee said the team management wanted a balanced pitch that would offer something for both batters and bowlers while assisting spinners as the match progresses.
“The pitch will be good. It will be a good sporting wicket. As the days progress, there will be turn and bounce. But everybody – batters, bowlers – there is something for everybody on this pitch,” Mukherjee said.
“Like every home team, Indian teams ask for a bit of turn. Not much, but they ask for a bit of turn,” he added.
The curator emphasized that this is standard practice, comparing it to how visiting teams prepare fast, bouncy tracks in countries like Australia.
Team management inspects the surface
As per a PTI report, India’s think tank — head coach Gautam Gambhir, bowling coach Morne Morkel, captain Shubman Gill, and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak — inspected the surface on Tuesday afternoon.
Sources claimed that Gambhir and his support staff spent nearly 15 minutes examining the wicket before calling Mukherjee over for discussions.
While there was no official comment from the team, reports suggest that the Indian camp appeared unimpressed with the initial preparation of the pitch based on their body language during the inspection.
Balanced track expected
Despite early concerns, Mukherjee reiterated that the Eden Gardens surface will not be a rank turner and will offer “true bounce and gradual spin” as the Test progresses. The pitch is expected to assist pacers early on before bringing spinners into play from Day 3 onwards — conditions that could test both batting line-ups.
With India eyeing crucial WTC points and South Africa arriving with a strong pace attack, the wicket’s behavior may play a decisive role in shaping the opening Test of the two-match series.
