NEW DELHI: Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie weighed in on the debate over giving curators full freedom in pitch preparation, following widespread criticism of the Eden Gardens track after India failed to chase 124 in the first Test against South Africa.

"Personal opinion here- and I appreciate I am very much in the minority in professional cricket circles. Why don't we just allow the curators the opportunity to prepare the best possible surface they can? No expectations from the home team to prepare a surface to suit them,' Gillespie wrote on X.

Indian batters, once masters against spin, now seem caught in their own trap by demanding rank turners at home. This was India's fourth home loss in their last six Tests, including the 0-3 whitewash against New Zealand on turning tracks last year.

Chasing 124, India lacked the composure and technique that Temba Bavuma had shown with an unbeaten half-century, and were bowled out for 93 in 35 overs.

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has also urged the team management, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, not to influence curators or attempt to dictate how pitches should be prepared.

"Well, you know what happens in the IPL? No IPL franchise can influence a curator to prepare any specific kind of pitch. The curator works independently. If he happens to be a die-hard fan of the home franchise, he might prepare a surface that suits their strengths, but that's entirely his call," Gavaskar told India Today.

"It's always best to leave the curator alone because he knows his job better than anyone else. When you start asking him to mix things up or prepare a pitch a certain way, it can easily backfire. That is exactly what you want to avoid," he added.