The cricketing world has been set abuzz by a fiery debate surrounding the nature of the pitch at Kolkata's iconic Eden Gardens. The controversy ignited after the Indian team, led by head coach Gautam Gambhir, explicitly requested a surface that would assist spin. While this decision faced criticism from several quarters, batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has stepped forward to staunchly defend the team's strategy and the character of the pitch itself.
Gavaskar's Firm Defence: Not a 'Vicious' Turner
Weighing in on the discussion, Sunil Gavaskar dismissed notions that the track was unplayable. "So, it was not a vicious turning pitch," he asserted in a conversation with India Today. He attributed the batting failure to the approach rather than the conditions, emphasizing that the match required a Test-match temperament. Gavaskar pointed out that the Indian batting lineup was more than capable of chasing down the target of 124 runs, suggesting they should have won with at least five wickets in hand.
He further elaborated on the quality of the bowling, particularly praising South African spinner Simon Harmer. "He was mixing it up really well. He bowled straight and got the odd one to turn," Gavaskar noted, highlighting that it was skill, not a demonic pitch, that led to Harmer's impressive eight-wicket haul in the game.
Gambhir's Unapologetic Stance on Team Request
Indian Head Coach Gautam Gambhir remained unequivocal in his support for the pitch, confirming it was exactly what the team management had asked for. "The point is you should know how to play turn. This is what we asked for, and this is what we got," Gambhir explained. He expressed his gratitude towards the curator for being supportive of the team's needs.
Gambhir firmly believed that the modest target was achievable regardless of the wicket's behaviour. He stressed that success on such a surface depended on a batsman's defensive solidity and temperament, not the ability to play flamboyant shots. "I still believe that, regardless of how the wicket was, 123 was chaseable," he stated, adding that the loss was a result of not playing well rather than a problematic pitch.
Unified Front: Experts Agree on Chaseable Target
The sentiments of the coach found a powerful echo in the commentary box. "Totally agree with Gautam Gambhir. 124 was chaseable on this pitch. There was no question about it," Sunil Gavaskar declared, presenting a united front. He reinforced his agreement by questioning how much the ball had actually turned for other spinners like Keshav Maharaj, Ravindra Jadeja, and Axar Patel, suggesting the turn was occasional and manageable.
This defence from two of Indian cricket's most respected figures puts the focus squarely on the batting performance in Kolkata. The incident, which took place on November 18, 2025, continues to spark conversations about home advantage, pitch preparation, and the skills required to succeed in challenging conditions.
