"It was not the best Test wicket" - Sourav Ganguly's massive statement after India's defeat in IND vs SA 2025 1st Test

Former Indian captain and Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) President Sourav Ganguly admitted that the Eden Gardens pitch in Kolkata for the first India-South Africa Test wasn't a great surface. The Kolkata wicket has come under much scrutiny after the series opener ended in under three days with the hosts suffering a shocking 30-run defeat.

Both teams failed to post even 200 in either of their two innings, with the home side getting bowled out for an embarrassing 93 in their run-chase of 124 in the final innings. Yet, Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir dismissed the notion that the pitch was unplayable, calling it one where the batters needed to display more application in the post-match press conference.

Talking about Gambhir's remarks and the Eden Gardens wicket, Ganguly told India Today:

"There is no controversy. It was not the best Test wicket, but unfortunately India lost. And they still should have got 120. It wasn’t the greatest of Test pitch. Gambhir said they wanted such a pitch and that they themselves instructed the curator. Yes, that is true — instructions were given, and I’ll just repeat what I said earlier. I am very fond of Gautam; he has done well for India in England, in ODIs, in T20 cricket. We will continue for a while, but we must play on good pitches."

The defeat was India's first at home in a Test match against the Proteas since 2010. Yet, it was their fourth overall home Test loss in their last six outings.

"Win Test matches in five days, not three days" - Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly urged Gautam Gambhir and Team India to play on pitches that last five days and test all aspects of the game in home Tests. Once renowned for their home dominance in red-ball cricket, the Asian giants have been found wanting with the bat in recent times on Indian soil.

"He (Gambhir) must have faith in Bumrah, Siraj, and Shami. Win Test matches in five days, not three days," said Ganguly (via the aforementioned source).

The Kolkata loss ended India's three-match Test winning streak and leaves them down 0-1 in the best-of-two affair against the Proteas. The second and final Test will start in Guwahati on November 22.