Controversial Past of Eden Gardens Pitch


1. 4th ODI, India vs South Africa, November 2005


4th ODI, India vs South Africa, November 2005

2. 2nd Test, India vs South Africa,  February 2010

Mahendra Singh Dhoni looked disappointed at not getting a turning track at the Eden Gardens in the second Test against South Africa in 2010 which India won in the last over of the final day. Mukherjee didn't give into Dhoni's demand of shaving the green off the 22-yard strip to suit the Indian spinners.

Mukherjee, however, denied having received any such request, and said, "Why should such a request be made? Cricket is a beautiful game and one should play on a sporting wicket. Why should teams want to play on designer pitches after practising through the year?"

2nd Test, India vs South Africa,  February 2010

3. 5th ODI, India vs England, October 2011

During England's last appearance for an ODI in 2011, Dhoni had termed the Eden wicket as 'ugly'. He expressed his disappointment with the track at the post-match prize distribution ceremony, saying his team was fortunate to score 270-plus runs. India won that match for a 5-0 whitewash in the series.

Prabir Mukherjee hit back at the Indian skipper for terming the Eden wicket 'ugly looking', asking how could the Indian captain then bat for so long and top score in the match.

5th ODI, India vs England, October 2011

4. IPL Opener, KKR vs DD, April 2012

Gautam Gambhir, ahead of their IPL clash against Delhi Daredevils on April 5, 2012, apparently wanted a sporting wicket that would assist his pace attack and not a slow turner.

He spoke to the curator Prabir Mukherjee didn't oblige. The veteran curator told reporters, "I'm not paid by them (KKR). A franchise has no say regarding the fitness of the ground. It's the association (CAB) that takes care of the ground".

KKR lost the game but Gautam Gambhir praised the Eden Gardens pitch generously.

IPL Opener, KKR vs DD, April 2012

5. 3rd Test, India vs England, December 2012

Eden Gardens curator of 15 years, 83-year-old Prabir Mukherjee was reluctant to oblige Dhoni's 'unreasonable demand' for a square turner saying that Dhoni wanted the Test to end in 3 days.

"Dhoni has asked for a square turner. This is immoral because you (organisers) are selling tickets for a five-day Test. On a square turner, there's every chance of a match ending in three days. Why rob people of two days' play? It's immoral and illogical to tamper with the pitch. I've not done it in my life," Mukherjee added.

3rd Test, India vs England, December 2012


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