"Even Kohli and Tendulkar cannot survive" - Indian spin legend's huge claim on Eden Gardens track for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has come up with a scathing take on the Eden Gardens' surface following Day 2 of the opening Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata. With 16 wickets falling on Day 2, Harbhajan opined that even world-class players like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar cannot survive on such unforgiving pitches.

With the Proteas winning the toss on Day 1 and opting to bat, they raced to 57/0 but eventually crumbled to 159 all out. The Asian Giants, who finished the day at 37/1, were bowled out for 189, taking a slender 30-run lead. The hosts remain in control as the Proteas have slumped to 93/7 heading into Day 3.

Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel 'Harbhajan Turbanator Singh,' the 45-year-old slammed the curators for producing a wicket where batters hardly know what needs to be done. He also recalled how well India played in England earlier this year and praised the English wickets.

"Just two days are done and we are able to see which way the game is going," he said (1:16). "They have done RIP to Test cricket. I don’t think Test cricket has any value left. India played exceptionally well in England recently, everyone praised them. The pitches on which they played and how India fought back to win that is Test cricket, that is fun." "This pitch is like, you pitch the ball here and it’s turning and going elsewhere. Batters hardly know what to do. Even the likes of Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar cannot survive on such pitches because one ball will keep low, bounce extra or turn viciously to get your wicket. So, technique is not coming into play, just the pitch," he added.

Although Jasprit Bumrah sizzled on Day 1 in Kolkata with five wickets, spinners have come into play as the game has progressed. Simon Harmer shone for the tourists with four wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja also picked up four in South Africa's second innings.

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"It’s been happening for years now" - Harbhajan Singh on Indian pitches

Harbhajan Singh. (Image Credits: Getty)

In the same video, Harbhajan criticized that such pitches are ruining the very essence of the game.

"It’s been happening for years now," he said. "When I talk about it, people tell me why do you speak about them. I don’t think we have seen such unprepared conditions. It’s not going the right way. It’s pathetic, utter nonsense to see this. They are making fun of the game."

India will look to wrap things up quickly on the morning of Day 3.

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Edited by Parag Jain