Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir and Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee have come under the scanner after the team’s 30-run defeat against South Africa in the opening Test in Kolkata. Amidst the criticism regarding the pitch, Gambhir met Mukherjee and surprised everyone with his warm gesture.
The surface of the Gardens of Eden deteriorated faster than expected. It was later reported that the pitch had not been watered for four days before the Test. The dryness produced a sharp turner which proved difficult to bat. In particular, the pitching decisions under Gautam Gambhir were criticized by many former cricketers.
Gautam Gambhir hugs Eden Gardens curator after 30-run defeat
Team India returned to Eden Gardens on Tuesday for an optional training session. During the season, several young players including Sai Sudarshan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel spent long periods of time in the nets.
Gautam Gambhir watched the practice closely from the sidelines. Gambhir was seen greeting curator Sujan Mukherjee. The two chatted lightly, exchanged smiles and even hugged.
This unexpected moment surprised many fans and suggested that there was no tension between the coach and the curator. Notably, the gesture came after the team’s 30-run defeat in the opening match of the series.
Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee and India head coach Gautam Gambhir pic.twitter.com/vTLWK4tfqL
– Subhayan Chakraborty (@CricSubhayan) 18 November 2025
Gautam Gambhir was the mentor of Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2024. Following his departure, Ajinkya Rahane expressed concerns about the quality and behavior of the pitches used last season. Rahane said that the surface conditions have been a challenge for the team time and again.
I know everyone is raising questions on this pitch – Sujan Mukherjee
Eden Gardens curator Sujan Mukherjee defended the Kolkata surface. He said that despite widespread criticism there was nothing wrong with the pitch. Mukherjee said that he followed the instructions given to him exactly.
Amid the controversy, Mukherjee said in an interview to Times Now Bangla, “This pitch is not bad at all.”
Mukherjee said, “I know everyone is raising questions on this pitch. To be honest, I know how to prepare a pitch for a Test. That’s exactly what I did. I did it as per the instructions. I don’t think about what others say. Not everyone knows everything. So I do my job with dedication and want to continue doing so in the future.”
Gautam Gambhir’s Team India was out for 93 runs in the last innings at Eden Gardens.
On the third day, India needed only 124 runs to win the first match of the series. With Shubman Gill out due to neck strain, the host team’s score remained small and they were all out for 93 runs. South African spinner Simon Harmer, who took four wickets in each innings, was named player of the match.
South Africa were all out for 159 in their first innings and India could only take a modest lead of 30 runs after being bowled out for 189. The Proteas struggled again in their second innings and could only manage 153 runs with the help of a half-century from captain Temba Bavuma.
Washington Sundar showed resistance with the bat and scored 31 runs in 92 balls before Aiden Markram dismissed him. India trail the two-match series 0-1 and need to win the upcoming Test in Guwahati to avoid losing another home series within a year.
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