South Africa captain Temba Bavuma delivered an eloquent assessment after his side’s 30-run win over India in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, saying the visitors simply adapted better to the conditions India themselves demanded. The remark added further fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding Kolkata’s surface, which came into focus after India’s dramatic fourth innings collapsed at 93 all out while chasing just 124.
Bavuma acknowledged this at the post-match press conference South Africa effectively beat India at their own game.
“Yeah, that’s probably true. I think the wicket that was set up is what I understand was requested on their end. We came here knowing the wickets would be spin friendly.”
IND vs SA, 1st Test in Kolkata: Highlights
Bavuma’s 55 off 136 balls earlier in the day eventually proved the difference in a low-scoring contest where every run mattered. On a pitch offering sharp turn, inconsistent bounce and areas of unpredictable slip, his innings stood out for its discipline and patience – qualities that India desperately lacked in their run chase.
IND vs SA: Eden pitch sparks debate
The Eden Gardens surface became a defining talking point long before the last wicket fell. The match was played on a dry, underprepared deck that had changed significantly from day one, a characteristic said to be in line with India’s demand for a curator. However, the surface also exhibited uneven bounce, making hitting difficult and defensive techniques vulnerable.
India hoped the pitch would turn the contest into a battle dominated by Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav. Instead, it was South Africa’s Simon Harmer – with eight wickets in the match – who dictated the pace of the game. As India bowled out 35 overs in the fourth innings, questions mounted whether the over-made conditions had failed the hosts.
Bavuma, meanwhile, was measured when asked about the pitch dispute.
However, India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly both confirmed that the pitch was in line with India’s requirementseven after their 30 run defeat.
“Perhaps from a spin point of view you would have expected the wicket to have played more from day three or four. But that being said, that’s what you can expect when you come to India.” he added.
Bavuma even reflected on how the match did not develop much compared to his usual experience on Indian surfaces.
“I don’t think I’ve ever played on day five in India. I haven’t even played on day 4. Unless they’ve scored 600,” Bavuma said.
“There were no demons, nothing you wouldn’t expect. I found it difficult from a spin point of view. Some balls were bouncing nicely, others were squatting which made it difficult to get shots over the bat,” he added.
South Africa are now 1-0 up and India face tough questions – not just about their batting but the very pitches they are asking for. The second Test in Guwahati starts on November 22 and India will be hoping for a comeback.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 17, 2025
