India’s crucial Super Eight encounter against the West Indies, a virtual Quarterfinal in the 2026 T20 World Cup, is set to be staged on a high-scoring pitch at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
According to
PTI, it will be played on the surface that produced the tournament’s first 200-plus total, when Scotland racked up 207/4 against Italy. However, the Italians were bowled out for 134 in under 17 overs, with off-spinner Michael Leask claiming 4/17.
The report said Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) president Sourav Ganguly inspected the pitch on Friday (February 22), two days before the match. Ganguly held detailed discussions with Eden Gardens head curator Sujan Mukherjee and the board’s chief curator Ashish Bhowmick before the ground was fully covered.
“Ganguly appeared happy seeing the preparation of the pitch which was last used for the second World Cup match. It’s a typical Eden wicket full of runs and there would be something in it for the bowlers too,” Mukherjee told PTI.
Mukherjee also cautioned that dew could play a significant role later in the evening.
While India will be playing their first match of this edition at Eden Gardens, the West Indies hold a marginal familiarity advantage, having already secured two group-stage wins at the venue, against Scotland and Italy.
The Windies also won the 2016 T20 World Cup final against England at the venue. However, at the same time, they have never beaten India in a T20I here, losing four on the trot.
Pitch troubles
If the pitch is as sporty as touted by Mukherjee, then India should not mind it. There have been major troubles on slow, gripping tracks where oppositions’ spinners and variation-happy pacers dominate.
However, Kolkata has previously been host to some pitch-related friction between the CAB and the Indian team. Ganguly made contradicting statements after India lost a Test against South Africa here last year, with Indian batters collapsing on a dry, crumbling track.
Mukherjee was also in the spotlight as several former cricketers and fans criticised the preparation of the pitch.
