Four Days Before the Match, BCCI Curator Took Charge: Sourav Ganguly Makes Shocking Revelation on Kolkata Pitch Controversy

The pitch at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens has become the centre of a major controversy after the first Test between India and South Africa ended within just three days, with the visitors defeating India by 30 runs. While critics blame the surface for India’s collapse, former captain and current President of the Cricket Association of Bengal, Sourav Ganguly, has made a startling disclosure.

Ganguly: “I Was Not Involved at All”

Amid accusations that India’s spin-friendly pitch backfired, Ganguly clarified that he had no role in preparing the wicket. When asked whether the Indian team management had sought his inputs before deciding the nature of the surface, Ganguly told India Today:

“No, no, I was not involved at all. The BCCI curator arrived four days before the Test and took full charge of the pitch. We have our own curator, Sujan Mukherjee, who has done excellent work for years. Requests are made, and they are fulfilled. That’s all.”

“It Was Not a Good Pitch” – Ganguly’s Straight Talk

Ganguly admitted that the pitch did not live up to expectations, especially considering the electric atmosphere at Eden Gardens throughout the match.

“It wasn’t very good, I must admit. The top order, the middle order… you deserve a better cricketing pitch. The stadium was packed for all three days. Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team should have had a far better wicket than what Eden Gardens offered.”

This statement comes after India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the pitch, saying there was nothing wrong with it.

Series Situation

South Africa now lead the two-match Test series 1–0. The second and final Test will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati from 22 November.