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

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The opening Test between India and South Africa at Eden Gardens ended in dramatic fashion, but instead of the cricket itself, the pitch dominated headlines. India’s 30-run loss inside three days sparked heated reactions, none louder than Harbhajan Singh’s. The former India off-spinner delivered a blistering critique of the surface, declaring that such pitches have ‘destroyed Test cricket’ and insisting the format is being disrespected beyond repair.

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 turn, variable bounce, and uneven pace from the opening session. South Africa were bowled out for 159 on Day 1, a total India barely surpassed as they edged ahead with 189.

The drama continued as the Proteas were dismissed for 153 in their second innings, setting India a seemingly achievable target of 124. But the hosts faltered spectacularly under pressure. The Indian batting line-up, unable to adjust to the unpredictability of the pitch, crumbled for 93 in just over a session.

South Africa’s 30-run win not only handed them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series but also marked their first Test victory in India in 15 years. Notably, Temba Bavuma’s gritty, unbeaten 55 stood as the only half-century of the match, underlining how treacherous batting conditions were. With 40 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, who famously spun India to victory at the same venue in 2001, unleashed a scathing attack on the pitch 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 now… no one talks about it because the team is winning, someone is taking wickets, someone becomes great by getting those wickets. So everyone feels everything is fine, but this practice didn’t start today. It has been going on for years, and it is the wrong way of playing,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.

Harbhajan went on to assert that even the greatest Indian batters would find survival impossible on such surfaces. His comments reignited long-standing concerns about India’s approach to home pitch preparation, especially with the team now suffering its fourth Test defeat in home conditions in the last six matches.

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