"There must have been some instructions" - Former coach's massive statement on Kolkata pitch after Day 2 IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar opined that the Eden Gardens curator might have been instructed to prepare a turning pitch for the ongoing Test against South Africa. He expressed disappointment at that surface that has been prepared, stating that it's not a great advertisement for Test cricket.

The first Test between India and South Africa seems headed for an early finish after 15 wickets fell on Day 2 of the contest on Saturday, November 15. Resuming their first innings on 37-1, India finished on 189. At stumps, the Proteas were in big trouble at 93-7, with a lead of just 63 runs.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Bangar urged India to revisit their ploy of preparing home surfaces that are too friendly for spinners. He said:

"I know the groundsman and he will not dish out something of this sort for a Test match which is being played at Eden Gardens after a gap of six years. I am not sure that this is being done by the curator at his own will. There must have been some instructions." "...That is something for all the decision makers to understand because it does give false hopes at times to spinners. You just have to bowl the ball in the right areas and the pitch does the rest. It can dent the batsman's confidence as well if he is not scoring enough runs in home pitches," the former India all-rounder added.

South Africa off spinner Simon Harmer claimed 4-30 in 15.2 overs in India's first innings. Ravindra Jadeja led the hosts' fightback, with 4-29 from 13 overs.

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"It did look unplayable" - Sanjay Bangar on pitch for IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Asked for his personal views on the Kolkata pitch for the first India vs South Africa Test, Bangar admitted that the surface looked unplayable. He pointed out that some balls were climbing off a length as well. The 53-year-old said:

"It did look unplayable. It clearly seemed that it was quite dry underneath. Some of the balls just reared off a length. The ball that reared off Jasprit Bumrah to Rickelton wasn't really great advertisement for Test cricket."

At stumps on Day 2 of the Eden Gardens Test, South African skipper Temba Bavuma was holding fort for the visitors. He returned unbeaten on 29 off 78 balls, with the aid of three fours.

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Edited by Renin Wilben Albert