The first Test of the two-match series between India and South Africa will take place in November at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. For the first time since India’s first-ever pink-ball encounter against Bangladesh in November 2019, the legendary location is poised to host a Test match.
Originally, Kolkata was supposed to host the second Test match between India and the West Indies in October. But the location of that match has been moved to New Delhi’s Arun Jaitley Stadium. Along with numerous other modifications for the 2024–25 home season, the change was confirmed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI’s decision to move India’s Test matches against South Africa and the West Indies from Delhi to Kolkata is seen by Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) officials as a form of “compensation” for Eden Gardens, which was unable to host the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final due to unfavourable weather forecasts in Kolkata.
The fast bowlers had a fair degree of surface assistance in the past two Test matches played at the Eden Gardens, India’s 2017 encounter against Sri Lanka and India’s 2019 match against Bangladesh.
To gain some home advantage, India might choose a spin-friendly ground, though, given the calibre of the South Africa seamers.
“A good track with a decent bit of grass content will be prepared,” Sujan Mukherjee, curator of Eden, stated to The Telegraph on Tuesday, June 10.
According to information obtained, two of the middle pitches will be prepared for the Test. “Top-dressing the surfaces is important to enhance the overall pitch health,” Mukherjee stated, adding that the pitches won’t be re-laid.
Applying a sand and soil combination to the pitch’s surface is known as “top-dressing,” and it improves the amount of grass cover.
If the management of the Indian team requests that the Eden curator get ready for a spin-friendly pitch, the curator is also confident in his ability to handle the scenario.
In addition to the 22 yards, Mukherjee stated that the Eden outfield will undergo some coring to make it appear “even more lush green.”
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