Cricket fans are back in full swing at Kolkata’s famous Eden Gardens ground these days. After six years, a Test match is set to be held here, this time between India and South Africa.
The first match of the series begins on Friday and continues until next Tuesday. South Africa are the defending World Test Championship champions, so the competition is set to be fierce.
But the most interesting thing is that the last Test match played here, against Bangladesh in 2019, was also a thrilling pink-ball match. Virat Kohli was a powerhouse in that match.
Remembering that 2019 match is a delight. Bangladesh batted first and were bowled out for just 106 runs. Their opener Shadman Islam top-scored with 29, while the other nine batsmen failed to reach single digits.
Only Liton Das retired hurt on 24, and Nayeem Hasan conceded 19 runs. For India, Ishant Sharma took 5 wickets, Umesh Yadav took 3, and Mohammed Shami took 2. India then came into bat. Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal were dismissed early, leaving the score at 43/2.
But Cheteshwar Pujara and captain Virat Kohli took charge. Pujara scored 55, and Virat scored a brilliant century, completing his 27th Test century. Ajinkya Rahane also scored a half-century. Virat returned with 136, and India declared their first innings at 347/9.
That explosive Pink Ball Test of 2019
Bangladesh struggled a bit in the second innings but were again bundled out for 195. Mushfiqur Rahim top-scored with 74, while Mahmudullah retired hurt on 39.
India’s Ishant Yadav took 4 wickets and Umesh Yadav took 5, ending the match in just three days. India won by an innings and 46 runs. The match lasted from November 22nd to November 24th.
Now imagine how much has changed since that match. Virat Kohli, who was captain at the time, has retired.
Legends like Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Wriddhiman Saha, and Ravichandran Ashwin have also retired. Mayank Agarwal, Ajinkya Rahane, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, and Ishant Sharma are still playing cricket, but are out of the national team.
The only survivor of that match who is still playing for India is Ravindra Jadeja. He is part of this South Africa series.
Eden Gardens is now ready to bring back the power of Test cricket. This match will not only revive old memories but also provide an opportunity for a new generation of players.
India will strive to maintain its dominance on home soil against South Africa.
