Pitch in Focus Again as India-SA Clash in Crucial Guwahati Test

The pitch at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium came under scrutiny ahead of the second Test after India’s defeat on a controversial Kolkata track.

All eyes are on the pitch at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium as India face South Africa in the second Test. The hosts trail 0-1 in the two-match series after a 30-run loss in Kolkata.

This was India’s first home Test defeat to South Africa in 15 years. The loss sparked debate, with blame shared between poor batting technique and a pitch that offered excessive help to bowlers.

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The issue has grown since the match. Some observers say India did not learn from their 3-0 home loss to New Zealand last year. However, head coach Gautam Gambhir defended the Kolkata pitch, saying it was exactly what the team wanted. His view was backed by legends like Sunil Gavaskar.

Guwahati Pitch Expected to Offer Turn

According to The Times of India, the Guwahati pitch is also likely to offer turn and bounce. However, curators are attempting to keep the bounce as even as possible.

“The pitch here is made of red soil, which has the tendency to offer more pace and bounce. The Indian team had made their demands clear before the home season. So, if the pitch offers turn, it will turn at pace and bounce. The curators are trying to ensure there is no substantial variable bounce,” the newspaper quoted a BCCI source as saying.

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The Eden Gardens pitch became a major narrative due to contrasting statements from Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) chief Sourav Ganguly. Before the Test, he told the media that the Indian team had not asked for a rank-turner. After the match, he said the pitch was ‘exactly’ what the team wanted. He added that the pitch had not been watered for days to fulfill this requirement.