Mumbai: Despite a dramatic batting collapse in the first Test at Eden Gardens, reports suggest that Team India will not deviate from its rank-turner pitch strategy for the ongoing series against South Africa. According to sources, the upcoming second Test in Guwahati, starting Friday, is likely to feature a spinning track offering even greater turn and bounce than Kolkata.
India failed to chase 124 runs in the series opener and lost by 30 runs, placing the hosts in a must-win situation to level the two-match series. The loss triggered intense cricketing debates, with opinions split among former players and analysts.
While Sunil Gavaskar and head coach Gautam Gambhir claimed the pitch was fair with “no demons,” others including Harbhajan Singh and Mohammad Kaif criticised India’s continued preference for spin-dominant home surfaces, which they believe backfired.
A report published by TOI stated that curators at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, are preparing a wicket made of red soil, known to produce pace, bounce and natural turn.
“The pitch here is made of red soil, which generally offers more pace and bounce. The Indian team already communicated its requirements before the home season. If turn comes, it will come at pace and bounce. Efforts are being made to avoid excessive variable bounce,” a BCCI source told TOI.
The defeat has fueled speculation regarding captain Shubman Gill and coach Gambhir’s alignment on pitch philosophy. Gill, speaking just weeks before the West Indies Test series, emphasised a shift towards balanced wickets that support both batters and bowlers, distancing the team from the “rank-turner mindset.”
However, the surface in Kolkata contradicted that vision. The pitch reportedly remained unwatered for over a week and was covered during evenings, resulting in a dry, flaky surface that began breaking up from the opening session. The match ended within eight sessions, with 38 wickets falling—22 to spinners and 16 to pacers.
Following the defeat, Gambhir reiterated that the pitch preparation aligned perfectly with team management plans, adding:
“If you don’t play well, this is what happens. There were no demons in the wicket.”
With the series on the line and conditions once again predicted to favour turn, eyes will now be on India’s approach and execution in Guwahati.
