India’s collapse on the turning pitch of Eden Gardens has reignited scrutiny of India’s domestic approach, prompting Sourav Ganguly to step in with clarity and a firm message for head coach Gautam Gambhir. India were bowled out for 93 and chasing 124, again struggling for control and method on a surface that had taken a sharp turn since day one – a pitch that was said to have been prepared to suit the team’s own requirements.
Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly told India Today exclusively afterwards India’s first Test loss against South Africa that while the surface was far from perfect, the real emphasis should be on balance, better decision-making and confidence in the team’s strengths.
India vs. South Africa 1st Test Day 3 Update
“There is no controversy. It was not the best Test wicket but unfortunately India lost. And they still should have had 120. It was not the greatest of Test runs. Gambhir said they wanted such a pitch and that they had instructed the curator themselves,” Ganguly said.
“Yes, that’s right – instructions have been given and I’ll just repeat what I said earlier. I like Gautam very much; he’s done well for India in England, in ODIs, in T20 cricket. We’ll continue for a while, but we have to play on good pitches.”
Apart from praising Gambhir as India’s head coach, Ganguly also laid special emphasis on Mohammed Shami’s value to the Test side, a clear message that India must not sideline their opening fast bowler in home conditions.
“They have to have faith in Bumrah, Siraj and Shami. Spinners who win Test matches for them,” he added.
Ganguly even had a little advice for the Test side regarding their tactics for approaching a Test match.
“Win Test matches in five days, not three days,” Ganguly said.
The defeat itself highlighted recurring concerns. A pitch that was expected to favor Jadeja, Axar and Kuldeep ended up playing into Simon Harmer’s hands as he took eight wickets while dictating the match. Gill’s unavailability with a neck injury didn’t help, but India’s lack of partnership and composure mattered much more. Yet Gambhir chased away the noise around the wicket, he says there are “no demons” on the surface. and that the curator provided exactly what the team asked for.
Having lost four of their last six home Tests – including last year’s 0-3 defeat to New Zealand – India must address whether their batting methods and selection strategies are up to the demands of high-spin surfaces. India will next face South Africa in their second Test in Guwahati starting on November 22.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
November 16, 2025
