The Indian team has resumed their practice session on Tuesday for the first Test against South Africa at Eden Gardens starting this Friday. However, Gautam Gambhir looked far from content as he walked away from the center wicket at Eden Gardens.

 

The former India opener, now head coach, spent over fifteen minutes in deliberation with batting coach Sitanshu Kotal, bowling coach Morne Morkel, and captain Shubman Gill after inspecting the surface. The quartet’s long discussion with curator Sujan Mukherjee revealed more questions than answers. The concern was visible.

 

The last Test played here was in 2019, a pink-ball encounter against Bangladesh, and expectations from the relaid wicket remain uncertain. The news agency PTI wrote,

 

"Morkel and Gill checked the firmness before summoning curator Sujan Mukherjee for a 15-minute discussion. Judging by their expressions, the management did not appear entirely pleased with the surface. The pitch, which has not been watered for a week now, appeared dry and brown with light grass patches."

 

It also said,

 

"Morkel and Gill checked the firmness before summoning curator Sujan Mukherjee for a 15-minute discussion. Judging by their expressions, the management did not appear entirely pleased with the surface. The pitch, which has not been watered for a week now, appeared dry and brown with light grass patches."

 

Read also: Eden Gardens on High Alert Ahead of India vs South Africa Test After Delhi Blast

 

Mukherjee, firm with his deeds, Ganguly defended the curator  

Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly, along with senior officials, intervened to arrange a discussion with Mukherjee. Curiously, while the adjacent areas of the square received watering, the main strip remained untouched. Ganguly even clarified that the team didn't ask for "rank turners," which eventually won't be aiding the home side, as seen during the New Zealand series.

 

Mukherjee, known for his stubborn streak, insisted the pitch would play “very good” and offer turn with time. Notably, he did not have a great name when it comes to flexibility. He came to theheadline during 2025 IPL when KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane taunted Mukherjee to have enough rcoverage for his rigidity.

 

Historically, Eden Gardens was a spin hub until its overhaul in 2015, after which it started assisting pace and bounce. Mukherjee has often clashed with IPL sides — notably Kolkata Knight Riders — for requesting spin-heavy tracks. India’s preference for spin-friendly surfaces remains strategic, yet their past misfires on extreme turners have made the management wary. For now, the Eden pitch stands under silent scrutiny — another day, another debate at India’s most storied ground.