KOLKATA: India is under intense criticism after 27 wickets fell in the first two days of the opening Test against South Africa.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh also criticized the Kolkata Test pitch, stating on social media that the match’s outcome seemed almost decided before the second day ended, calling it a “mockery of Test cricket.”
Harbhajan said the Kolkata pitch deteriorated as the game progressed, with inconsistent bounce posing challenges for the batsmen.
For the first Test, India included four spinners in its playing XI.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan also described the Kolkata pitch as “frightening,” while Indian media criticized it, warning that matches ending in just two days could spell trouble for Test cricket.
According to Indian media, such pitches could drive cricket fans away, as Test matches should last at least four days. While home advantage is acceptable, pitches should still be prepared traditionally.
Experts suggest that batsmen and seamers should succeed in the initial days, with spinners gradually taking control. A match shouldn’t be effectively decided within the first two days.
In the Kolkata Test, South Africa was bowled out for 159 in their first innings, and India responded with 189. In the second innings, South Africa could only manage 153 runs.
India is currently batting in its second innings, having lost two wickets for just 10 runs.
