Former RCB coach, ex-South African pacer rate Eden Gardens pitch after Day 2 of 1st IND vs SA 2025 Test

Former RCB coach Sanjay Bangar gave a 5.5-6 rating out of 10 to the Eden Gardens pitch being used for the first Test between India and South Africa. On the other hand, former Proteas fast bowler Vernon Philander gave the surface a rating of just 4.

A total of 15 wickets fell on Day 2 of the first Test between India and South Africa at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Saturday, November 15. Bowlers dominated proceedings as off spinner Simon Harmer and left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja claimed four wickets each.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar and Philander were asked to rate the Kolkata surface for the ongoing India vs South Africa Test.

"I would rate 5.5 to 6," Bangar said, while Philander added, "I am going to go with 4."

Bangar was highly critical of the surface at Eden Gardens and opined that it could severely affect the confidence of Indian players as well. The 53-year-old explained:

"It affects the players directly. They have worked hard over a number of years to get where they are. When you do not trust the pitch, you suddenly start to pre-empt things. As it is, it is such a mental game that it is difficult for you to stay in the present. You do not play the way you usually play. That for me is an opportunity deprived for a particular player."

Responding to South Africa's first-innings total of 159, India resumed Day 2 at 37-1. They were all-out for 189. At stumps, the Proteas has slipped to 93-7.

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"Absolutely hate when surfaces become talking point" - Vernon Philander on Kolkata pitch

Sharing his views on the Eden Gardens surface in detail, Philander commented that players' performance, and not the pitch, must be the talking point in a Test match. The 40-year-old also explained the key difference between Indian and South African pitches and went on to elaborate (via ESPNcricinfo):

"I absolutely hate when surfaces become talking point in a Test match. We've got two of the world's leading Test sides going head to head. You certainly want the skill sets to be the talking point at the end of the day. Yes, when you tour South Africa, you get some spicy surfaces, but, as a batter, if you get in, there are still run-scoring opportunities."

At stumps on Day 2 in Kolkata, South African skipper Temba Bavuma was batting on 29 and Corbin Bosch on one. The Proteas have a 63-run lead, but just have three wickets remaining.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert