What did former cricketers say about the Eden Gardens pitch?

Former greats like Dale Steyn and Anil Kumble criticized the Eden Gardens pitch, calling it "unfair" and "luck-driven."

How did the pitch affect India's performance in the Test match?

India's batting faltered on the pitch, resulting in the loss of crucial World Test Championship points.

What is the debate around pitches like the one at Eden Gardens?

The debate centers on whether such pitches truly serve the best interests of Test cricket, or if they create an unfair and luck-driven contest.

Home / Sports / Experts Slam "Unfair" Eden Gardens Pitch as India Falters

Experts Slam "Unfair" Eden Gardens Pitch as India Falters

16 Nov

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Summary

India coach insists no issues with pitch, but former greats disagree
Variable bounce and sharp turn make batting a challenge
India's batting struggles and loss of WTC points raise concerns

Experts Slam "Unfair" Eden Gardens Pitch as India Falters

As of November 16th, 2025, a controversy has erupted over the pitch conditions at the Eden Gardens cricket stadium in India. While India's head coach Gautam Gambhir insists there were "no demons" in the pitch, several former cricketing greats have strongly disagreed.

Dale Steyn, the legendary South African fast bowler, and Anil Kumble, the renowned Indian spinner, have both criticized the pitch, calling it "unfair" and "luck-driven." Cheteshwar Pujara, a senior Indian batsman, has also expressed his concerns about the variable bounce and sharp turn that made batting a significant challenge.

The two-and-a-half-day Test match played on this pitch has seen India's batting falter, resulting in the loss of crucial World Test Championship points. This has raised broader questions about whether pitches like these truly serve the best interests of Test cricket.