Former India spinner Harbhajan Singh launched a scathing attack on the team management following India’s 30-run defeat by South Africa in the opening Test at the Eden Gardens, criticizing the preparation of the spinners and warning that such surfaces are damaging the future of Test cricket.
After a modest 124, India were dismissed for 93 on Sunday, only Washington Sundar crossed 30 as the hosts crumbled under relentless pressure from the South African spinners. The pitch came under immediate scrutiny after 15 wickets fell on Day 2, sparking widespread debate about India’s long-term tactics of preparing sharp turns.
Pitches in the subcontinent often dominate the headlines whenever a Test ends in three or four days. With the Kolkata Test ending in just two overs on Day 3, India’s approach came under fire once again. After the defeat, head coach Gautam Gambhir maintained that there was nothing wrong with the surface and said that it is exactly such misfortunes as India demanded for the series lead.
Harbhajan did not hold back while dissecting the loss. He said on YouTube: “They have completely ruined Test cricket. RIP Test cricket, rest in peace Test cricket. I can see the kind of work they have done, the kind of pitches that have been made for so many years. No one talks about it because it’s okay, the team wins, someone takes wickets, someone becomes great when they practice wickets, it’s all gone now, so not everyone can do it. It’s been going on for many years and I feel it’s the wrong way to play.”
He added that over-reliance on turning lanes is hampering the growth of Indian cricketers.
“You’re not moving forward, you’re just going round in circles like an ox tied to a mill. You’re winning but you’re not getting any real benefit from it. You’re not growing as a cricketer. So I feel it’s high time you see and think about playing matches on such pitches where your batsmen aren’t even sure how to score runs and you make them what’s the difference between a batsman and an able a batsman, they don’t know the difference between a batsman.” Are the conditions so favorable that people are leaving for the pitch and not for the skill?”
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
November 17, 2025
