The Kolkata Test match in India is facing intense international criticism after a staggering 27 wickets fell within the first two days of play, making the outcome clear before the end of Day Two. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh and other cricket experts have openly expressed alarm over the deteriorating quality of the pitch.
Harbhajan Singh labeled the playing surface a “joke on Test cricket,” arguing that a match involving India and South Africa concluding before the end of the second day undermines the spirit of the game. He pointed out that the pitch rapidly deteriorated, featuring uneven bounce that created dangerous playing conditions for the batsmen.
Echoing the concerns, former England captain Michael Vaughan took to social media to describe the Kolkata pitch as “horrific.”
Indian media has also joined the chorus of criticism against the attempt to secure an excessive home advantage. Reports warn that pitches leading to two-day finishes will ultimately kill Test cricket and drive away fans, who expect the format to last until at least the fourth day.
The debate over the pitch intensified following reports that Indian batsman Shubman Gill was taken to the hospital with a neck injury and may be ruled out of the remainder of the match, raising serious player safety concerns.
