Harbhajan slams Eden Gardens pitch after 15-wicket Test collapse

The Eden Gardens pitch came under heavy fire on Saturday after a chaotic second day in the India–South Africa Test produced 15 wickets in a single day, prompting former India spinner Harbhajan Singh to publicly slam the surface and call it a “mockery of Test cricket.” The Harbhajan slams Eden Gardens pitch controversy sparked intense debate across the cricket world.

The criticism erupted just minutes after India tightened their grip on the low-scoring contest, finishing Day 2 with South Africa reeling at 93 for 7, only 63 runs ahead, and staring at a defeat inside three days.

Harbhajan, reacting to the highlights blasted the conditions on social media:“Test cricket India vs South Africa — the game almost over on 2nd day isn’t finished yet. What a mockery of Test cricket.”His comments triggered a heated debate online, with fans and former cricketers expressing concern over the “two-day pitch.”

Jadeja wrecks Proteas after India’s own batting struggles

India earlier folded for 189, a total far below their expectations, after the inconsistent bounce made strokeplay nearly impossible.Spin dominated the day, with South Africa’s Simon Harmer (4-30) dragging the visitors back into the game before India’s Ravindra Jadeja returned the favour with a match-defining 4-29 in the second innings.

Jadeja’s spell dismantled South Africa’s top order, turning the Test into a survival battle for the visitors. Only captain Temba Bavuma showed resistance with an unbeaten 29, while Corbin Bosch survived nervously on 1.

South Africa, who managed just 159 in their first innings, now need a miracle even to cross 150 in their second.

Chaos everywhere: Injuries, collapse, and unplayable bounce

The day began with India resuming on 37 for 1, but trouble struck early when skipper Shubman Gill walked off the field rubbing his neck after scoring just a boundary. Bowling coach Morne Morkel insisted it was “not workload-related,” suggesting Gill may have simply “slept wrong,” a remark that left many fans baffled.

Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant returned from injury with his trademark bravado, smashing a six off Maharaj moments after being dropped at slip, but fell to a short ball from Bosch after a quickfire 27.

India’s batting lacked partnerships, and their collapse only highlighted how treacherous the pitch had become. Half an hour before tea, they were bowled out, a rarity at Eden Gardens.

Pitch under scrutiny as Test cricket purists cry foul

The surface, showing severe wear and unpredictable bounce on Day 2, has drawn widespread criticism. Shot-making appeared unsafe, defensive shots turned risky, and fast bowlers repeatedly beat the bat without effort.

South Africa’s Harmer summed it up bluntly, “If we can get to 150, it would be incredible. But it’s obviously quite difficult.”

With India dominating and South Africa struggling to survive, the Test may conclude inside the third day, intensifying scrutiny on the Kolkata wicket.

Harbhajan’s remarks have added fuel to the fire, with many questioning whether such pitches are acceptable for marquee bilateral Test series.