India’s 30-run defeat to South Africa in the opening Test at Eden Gardens has sparked a major debate across Indian cricket. The match ended within three days, and the pitch—offering sharp turn and uneven bounce – became the center of controversy. Now, former India captain and current CAB President Sourav Ganguly has made a big disclosure while also giving strong support to head coach Gautam Gambhir, who has been heavily criticised after the loss.
“BCCI Curators Took Charge Four Days Before the Test” – Ganguly’s Big Revelation
Speaking to India Today, Ganguly revealed that he had no involvement in pitch preparation for the Test match. Contrary to assumptions, he clarified that the Eden Gardens surface was handled entirely by BCCI central curators.
Ganguly said:
“No, I was not involved at all. BCCI curators came four days before the Test and took complete charge. Our local curator Sujan Mukherjee has been doing a great job for years, but when the board curators arrive, they take over. Requests are made, and they fulfill those requests.”
His statement directly hints that the Indian team management had requested such a surface—a point also confirmed earlier by curator Sujan Mukherjee.
Also see: Gautam Gambhir Meets Eden Gardens Curator Again After Pitch Controversy
“The Pitch Was Not Good Enough” – Ganguly Admits
Despite backing the preparation process, Ganguly openly criticised the quality of the wicket.
He said:
“The pitch was not good. The top order and middle order deserved a better wicket. Eden Gardens was packed for all three days, and the Indian team should have played on a much better cricketing surface.”
India were bowled out for just 93 runs while chasing 124, leading to widespread questions over the strategy of preparing an extremely spin-friendly wicket.
No Need to Remove Gambhir as Coach, Says Ganguly
As fans criticised the team’s decision-making and demanded the removal of coach Gautam Gambhir, Ganguly strongly defended him.
On being asked whether Gambhir should be sacked as Test coach, Ganguly replied:
“There is no question of removing Gautam Gambhir. He and Shubman Gill did a fantastic job in England. I am sure they will perform well in India too.”
He insisted that a single Test defeat should not lead to panic or drastic decisions.
Curator Confirms: “Pitch Was Prepared as Team Requested”
Eden curator Sujan Mukherjee also stated that the surface was made exactly as the team and coach had demanded. This further strengthens the belief that the team wanted a turning track—something that eventually backfired.
South Africa lead the two-match series 1–0, and the final Test begins on 22 November in Guwahati. With the pitch debate growing louder, all eyes will be on the surface prepared for the second Test and how India respond after the defeat.
