‘RIP Test Cricket’: Harbhajan Singh criticizes Kolkata pitch after India’s shock defeat to South Africa

The opening test between India And South Africa at Eden Gardens ended in dramatic fashion, but rather than the cricket itself, the pitch dominated the headlines. India’s 30-run loss in three days sparked heated reactions, none louder than that Harbhajan Singh‘S. The former Indian off-spinner delivered a blistering critique of the surface, stating that such pitches have ‘destroyed Test cricket’ and emphasizing that the format is irredeemably disrespected.

Three-day thriller ends in shock defeat for India

What promised to be a closely contested series opener turned into a low-scoring battle for survival as both teams struggled on a surface that offered sharp turns, variable bounce and uneven pace from the opening session. South Africa were bowled out for 159 on Day 1, a total that India narrowly surpassed when they took the lead on 189.

The drama continued when the Proteas were dismissed for 153 in their second innings, leaving India with a seemingly achievable target of 124. But the hosts faltered spectacularly under pressure. Unable to adapt to the unpredictability of the pitch, the Indian batsman slumped to 93 in just over a session.

South Africa’s 30-run win not only gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, but also marked their first Test win in India in 15 years. Remarkably, Temba Bavuma‘s gritty, unbeaten 55 was the match’s only half-century, underscoring how treacherous the batting conditions were. With forty wickets falling in less than three days, questions were inevitable, especially given Eden Gardens’ historic reputation for producing balanced Test pitches.

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Harbhajan Singh criticizes Eden Gardens’ pitch after India’s loss

Harbhajan, who took India to victory at the same venue in 2001, unleashed a blistering attack on the field after the defeat. He accused curators and decision makers of consistently preparing extreme surfaces that rob the game of its essence. The former Indian star argued that such wickets eliminate skill and technique, reducing matches to a lottery rather than a battle of temperament and class.

“They have completely destroyed Test cricket. RIP Test cricket, rest in peace Test cricket. The kind of work they have done, the kind of pitches that have been made for so many years… no one is talking about it because the team is winning, someone is taking wickets, someone is becoming great by getting those wickets. So everyone feels that everything is fine, but this practice did not start today. It has been going on for years and it is the wrong way to play,” Harbhajan said on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan further claimed that even the greatest Indian batters would find it impossible to survive on such surfaces. His comments fueled long-standing concerns about India’s approach to home field preparation, especially as the team now suffers its fourth Test defeat in home conditions in the last six matches.

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