Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has delivered a scathing critique of the Eden Gardens pitch following Day 2 of the opening Test between India and South Africa in Kolkata. With 16 wickets falling on Day 2 alone, Harbhajan stated that even world-class players like Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar would struggle to survive on such unforgiving surfaces.
The match began with the Proteas winning the toss and opting to bat. They started strongly at 57/0 but eventually collapsed to 159 all out. India, who ended Day 1 at 37/1, were bowled out for 189, taking a slim 30-run lead. The hosts remain in control as South Africa slid to 93/7 by the close of Day 2, heading into Day 3.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel ‘Harbhajan Turbanator Singh,’ the 45-year-old harshly criticized the curators for preparing a wicket that leaves batsmen clueless. He recalled India’s impressive performance in England earlier this year and praised the quality of the English wickets.
“Just two days are done and we are already able to see which way the game is going,” Harbhajan said. “They have done a 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.”
Harbhajan added, “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.”
While Jasprit Bumrah shone on Day 1 in Kolkata, taking five wickets, spinners have dominated as the game has progressed. Simon Harmer impressed for the tourists with four wickets, while Ravindra Jadeja also picked up four in South Africa’s second innings.
“It’s been happening for years now,” Harbhajan continued in the same video, criticizing the state of Indian pitches. “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 up the match quickly on the morning of Day 3 as they aim to maintain their strong position.
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*Edited by Parag Jain*
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