The Eden Gardens pitch was one of the main talking points in India's 30-run defeat to South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series. The spin-friendly surface proved to be a nightmare for batters from both the teams as they failed to post a total of over 200 runs in any of the four innings. The Men in Blue looked to be the favourites to win after they were handed a modest target of 124 runs, but ended up being bundled out for only 93. This was the Proteas' first victory on Indian soil in 15 years.
Following the defeat, former India cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara was highly critical of the track in Kolkata and remarked that the team is in dire need of "better" pitches. He added that they should create surfaces that offer help to both batters and bowlers.
“Luck plays a major part when you are playing on a rank turner. What India needs to do is start playing on a slightly better pitch. I’m not saying that you don’t play on a turning track. You always did that, support for the bowlers that they are getting some assistance from the pitch. But it has to be a pitch where you should be able, if you are playing well, if you’re working hard, if you are reacting well, you should be able to score 100. You need to play on a pitch where you have a chance. You are giving yourself the best chance. If you are skilful, your skill should come out," Pujara said as quoted by The Indian Express.
Pujara's stunning observation on Indian pitches
Pujara further pointed out that 80-90% of the Tests that Team India has played on home soil since 2020 have ended within just three days. He also highlighted the importance of playing on pitches where the result is decided on either Day 4 or 5.
“When you start playing on rank turners, which India has done since 2020, a majority of the games, I would say 70 or 80% of the games have been played on a pitch where the result has been in three days, within the three days of a five-day match," Pujara stated.
“It’s important that India plays on a pitch where the results are on Day Four, Day Five, which is a slightly better pitch to bat on in the first innings. And as you get into the second innings, the ball starts turning a bit more, it becomes very challenging," he added.
India hope to bounce back in 2nd Test
Meanwhile, the second and final Test of the series between India and South Africa will be played from November 22 at the Barsapara stadium in Guwahati. Though the Men in Blue have no chance of winning the series since they are down 1-0, they can go on to draw it by triumphing in the upcoming game.