NEW DELHI: The India vs South Africa Test at Eden Gardens last month sparked widespread criticism from fans and former players, with the pitch coming under heavy scrutiny for its harsh nature on batters.
India eventually lost the match inside three days after failing to chase a modest fourth innings target of 124, a collapse that reignited debates around extreme pitch conditions and balance in Test cricket.
Despite the backlash, the pitch has avoided any punishment. ICC match referee Richie Richardson handed the surface a “satisfactory” rating, the second level in the ICC’s four tier pitch assessment system.
The opening Test of the two match series was played in Kolkata and turned out to be a low scoring affair throughout. Neither side managed to cross the 200 run mark in any innings, highlighting how challenging batting conditions were.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was the only batter to score a half century in the match.
India held a slender lead of around 40 runs after the first innings but failed to capitalise. In the final innings, the hosts crumbled against South Africa’s spin attack and were bowled out cheaply, handing the visitors a crucial win.
Offspinner Simon Harmer was the standout performer, dismantling the Indian batting lineup across both innings and finishing with an eight-wicket match haul. His performance played a decisive role as South Africa went on to complete a 2-0 series whitewash.
