Jason Gillespie on Kolkata Test controversy: Hosts must stay out of on-field preparation

Former Australian fast bowler Jason Gillespie suggested giving full freedom to the curators without the influence of the host country in the wake of the Kolkata pitch dispute. The surface used for the second Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata drew widespread criticism from fans and pundits after the match ended in three days.

Only one half-century was scored in the four innings of the match India failed to chase down the target of 124 on 3 and lost by 30 runs. After India’s loss, Gillespie shared his views on the pitch preparation controversy, saying that the curators should have full freedom to prepare the pitch as he likes and the host country should not interfere in the matter.

“Personal opinion – and I appreciate I’m very much in the minority in professional cricket circles. Why don’t we just give the curators the opportunity to prepare the best possible surface? No expectation from the home team to prepare a surface to suit them,” Gillespie wrote on X (formerly Twitter). Post X Jason Gillespie (@dizzy259)

The pitches in India have been under the scanner since November 2024 as the hosts have faltered time and again on the spinning surfaces. India were whitewashed 0-3 against New Zealand for the first time in history and now the loss in the first match has put them in danger of losing the next series.

However, despite their loss, India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Eden pitchsaying that was the kind of surface they were asking for. The Kolkata Test loss once again opened a can of worms for the Gautam Gambhir-led coaching staff as the team fell into the pit prepared for their opponents. It remains to be seen what kind of surface India will prepare in Guwahati with the series on the line.

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Issued by:

Rishabh Beniwal

Published on:

November 18, 2025