Cricket Association of Bengal president Sourav Ganguly has confirmed that the Indian team management hasn’t asked for the pitch for the first Test against South Africa at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata to be made a rank turner. The first test will begin on Friday, November 14.

On Monday morning, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak and India head coach Gautam Gambhir examined the Eden pitch after arriving late on Sunday with members of the team that participated in the white-ball series in Australia.

Later in the evening, Ganguly took a look at the wicket as well. The square was then completely covered to prevent dew and any improbable showers.

"Well, they haven't asked for it yet. So, I won't be able to answer the question. It looks a very good one," Ganguly said when asked if the Indian team management had requested a turning wicket.

Eden Gardens has played host to two Ranji Trophy games. The tracks have played slowly, providing pacers with minimal support. On the first day of their match, Bengal's pace-heavy attack struggled to gain ground against Uttarakhand before Mohammed Shami's enchanted spell turned Bengal's fortunes around.

CAB curator Sujan Mukherjee expressed satisfaction with the pitch's preparation, despite the fact that it hasn't been watered since Saturday. Gambhir was "happy to see the wicket" during his assessment, he added.

Mukherjee claims that when Gambhir asked him when the pitch would begin to help spinners, he said that turn might be anticipated "from day three."

"It's going to be a good sporting wicket with help for both batters and bowlers. There will be assistance on offer for the spinners as well, and that can happen early as well,” Mukherjee said.

South Africa, the current World Test Champions, has a strong spin contingent led by Keshav Maharaj and featuring Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy.

CAB doesn't want to take any chances because the Eden Gardens are hosting a Test match for the first time in six years. India's first-ever day-night Test against Bangladesh took place here in November 2019.

The CAB intends to make the event unforgettable. According to Ganguly, at least the first three days have shown positive ticket sales.

"Thirty-four thousand priced tickets have been sold out, as we expect a good turnout," he said.

The CAB will also host the Dalmiya Memorial Lecture on the eve of the match, where batting legend Sunil Gavaskar has confirmed his participation as keynote speaker.

(PTI inputs)