Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh delivered a harsh critique of the Eden Gardens pitch after Day 2 of the opening Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata. With 16 wickets falling on the day, he remarked that even legends like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar would struggle to survive on such a challenging surface.
After winning the toss on Day 1 and choosing to bat, South Africa quickly reached 57/0 before collapsing to 159 all out. India, who ended the day at 37/1, were bowled out for 189, securing a narrow 30-run lead. The hosts maintain the upper hand as the Proteas slipped to 93/7 heading into Day 3.
Harbhajan Criticizes Eden Pitch, Praises India’s England Win
In a video on his YouTube channel Harbhajan Turbanator Singh, the 45-year-old criticized the curators for preparing a pitch that leaves batters confused and unable to judge the conditions. He also highlighted India’s impressive performance in England earlier this year, praising the quality of the wickets there.
“Just two days are done and we are able to see which way the game is going,” he said (1:16). “They have done RIP to Test cricket. I don’t think Test cricket has any value left. India played exceptionally well in England recently, everyone praised them. The pitches on which they played and how India fought back to win that is Test cricket, that is fun.”
“This pitch is like, you pitch the ball here and it’s turning and going elsewhere. Batters hardly know what to do. Even the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar cannot survive on such pitches because one ball will keep low, bounce extra or turn viciously to get your wicket. So, technique is not coming into play, just the pitch,” he added.
While Jasprit Bumrah starred on Day 1 in Kolkata with a five-wicket haul, spinners have taken center stage as the match progressed. Simon Harmer impressed for South Africa with four wickets, and Ravindra Jadeja matched him with four scalps in the Proteas’ second innings.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.