The Indian cricket board has started preparations for the upcoming ODI World Cup in 2023. Ahead of the marquee tournament, all 12 venues are being upgraded for fans and players. On this list are the names of iconic Eden Gardens. The ground, which has served as one of the biggest stages for many years, is set to get a new pitch.
The Eden pitch and outfield, named the finest in the IPL for the third year in a row—this time jointly with Mumbai’s Wankhede—have provided additional impetus for the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) ground staff. Work began on June 30, shortly after the CAB Junior U-18 Invitational competition concluded.
Speaking about the conditions and challenges this year, Eden Pitch curator Sujan Mukherjee said that this year they need to be more careful. “The pitch is being prepared afresh, just as it’s done at the end of every season. But this time, we obviously have to be extra careful and do an even better job”, he told the Telegraph.
Eden Gardens will host five matches, including the semi-finals
Further speaking about the conditions, Mukherjee said that pacers will enjoy bowling here. “Just as it has been of late, you’ll again see wickets with firm bounce and nice carry. The Quicks will enjoy bowling here. And of course, it will aid strokeplay as well,” Mukherjee said. “With the amount of rolling the pitch undergoes, it takes a toll on the soil at the end of the season. What fresh soil does is level the pitch while adding freshness,” Mukherjee further added.
As coring is being done in the ground, Mukherjee said, “Coring provides oxygen to the grass and helps in its growth. What also helped was the minimal rain over the last few days. Thankfully, we could finish it quickly. Otherwise, it would’ve slowed down the proceedings.” It’s worth noting that apart from the India vs. South Africa clash, Kolkata will witness four other matches, including the semifinals. Pakistan is going to play two matches on this ground against England and Bangladesh.
Here is how fans react to the pitch curator’s comments:
Tell to All curators don't make pitches Good for Swinging the ball 😅
— Pandu Raj (@CSKianPanduRaj) July 8, 2023
So India will play with 10 players in Eden gardens🥲
Green pitch in, someone out pic.twitter.com/4NGzBHclHo— Cheems Bond (@Cheems_Bond_007) July 8, 2023
Green pitch banao curator babu pic.twitter.com/QBEaJiek0u
— Steven (@marc_spector01_) July 8, 2023
Useless and unnecessary from these Kolkata curators
Pitch should be something spinning so that india might get help, we don't even have quality pacers
Even nitish rana complained about pitches not prepared according to expectations
— 𝘿𝙖𝙠𝙨𝙝 𝙜𝙞𝙡𝙡 (@screwgauge77) July 8, 2023
I guess virat &rohit days are gone..more importantly virat isn't trustable like before 2019wc with weaknesses (struggle vs spin,struggle vs left arm face).those were days if he was in match is ours but now we tense every time he step in and guessing"virat still there "😉.
— Vamsi (@Kr17Vamsi) July 8, 2023
Peak South Africa loading at kolkata… pic.twitter.com/BdJexiFAPR
— Sunny kushwaha (@Sunnykushw86163) July 8, 2023
Pitch should be made according to the Indian team not to other teams.
— 🇮🇳 Vipul (@BeliefinKarma) July 8, 2023
It's Rohit Garden 🐐❤️ pic.twitter.com/a5C0vlKVJx
— FIRE⁴⁵ (@firefire0045) July 8, 2023
Hittu 350 loading
— Vaibhav™ (@Titan_boyies) July 8, 2023
Eden is one of the best sporting pitch in the country now. It used to be a slow, rank turner, tacky. BCCI should encourage to produce more surfaces like this if we are to play competitive cricket abroad.
— Sarbojit Shome (@SarbojitShome) July 8, 2023
Pace attack is better of South Africa….
it's L situation for India tbh— Kunal Bishwal (@KunalBishwal18) July 8, 2023
India vs SA will be interesting….fast pace from SA against Indian top batsmen….⚡⚡⚡⚡
— Manash Kaushik🇮🇳 (@ManashMpk93) July 8, 2023
Done we are choking in the semifinals
Toporder : pic.twitter.com/1fkTTeD3bz— SALVATORE (@ScofieldSaab) July 8, 2023
