The pitch at Eden Gardens has proved extremely challenging for the batters from India and South Africa in the ongoing first Test of the two-match series. Run-scoring has been difficult throughout, as both sides have been bowled out within the first two days of the match, raising questions over the curator.
The curator, Sujan Mukherjee, had assured that the surface would be well-balanced and that spin would matter only late in the match. India picked four spinners, something they hadn’t done since 2012. South Africa struggled with the unpredictable bounce, with Jasprit Bumrah exploiting the conditions.
India endured a disappointing batting display on Day 2 (Saturday, November 15). They struggled to score runs throughout their innings. Despite several players spending time at the crease, none managed to convert their starts into big scores.
KL Rahul was the top-scorer for India with 39, while Washington Sundar, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja chipped in with 20s. Skipper Shubman Gill, who retired hurt in the morning session due to a neck spasm, did not return to bat.
Off-spinner Simon Harmer took four wickets, while left-arm pacer Marco Jansen added three crucial scalps. The visiting team bundled the opposition out for 189 in 62.2 overs.
The hosts managed only a slender 30-run lead. Harmer triggered the collapse by dismissing Washington Sundar, who had added a 57-run partnership with KL Rahul for the second wicket.
KL Rahul’s 39 is the Lowest ‘Top Score’ Across the First Two Innings in India
KL Rahul’s (39) knock has created an unusual record in the ongoing Kolkata Test. Notably, it is the lowest top individual score across the first two innings of a men’s Test played in India. No batter from either side managed to surpass his modest total in the challenging conditions at Eden Gardens.
This is also the lowest “highest individual score” recorded in the first two innings of any men’s Test worldwide since the 2010 Durban match between India and South Africa.
Eden Gardens Pitch Came Under Scrutiny During IPL 2025 as Well
The Eden Gardens pitch was also under criticism during the IPL 2025 season. The surface had produced several low-scoring matches in the ongoing domestic circuit, with teams crossing the 300-run mark only once in eight innings, raising questions about its balance and consistency.
Earlier in the year, the stadium’s chief curator faced scrutiny following a public disagreement with Kolkata Knight Riders captain Ajinkya Rahane, who had expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch conditions during the IPL, claiming they failed to offer any home advantage.
Eden Gardens also faced similar criticism on the international stage, receiving average ratings from the ICC during the 2023 ODI World Cup. The venue hosted marquee fixtures, including India’s clash with South Africa and the Australia–South Africa semifinal.
Also read: Simon Harmer takes stunning return catch to send Dhruv Jurel packing in Kolkata Test
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