Follow UsAs per reports, a commemorative gold coin bearing the images of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela will be used for the toss in the opening Test between India and South Africa at the Eden Gardens from November 14. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) introduced the coin to honour the shared legacy of peace, freedom and non-violence represented by the two leaders from India and South Africa.
The Test series, played for the Freedom Trophy, highlights the historical bond between India and South Africa. The match will also mark the return of Test cricket to Eden Gardens after six years, with over 96,000 tickets sold and more than ₹1.4 crore worth of ticket sales recorded ahead of the contest.
CAB president Sourav Ganguly confirmed that the Indian team had not made any special pitch requests. “Well, they haven’t asked for it yet. So I won’t be able to answer the question,” Ganguly said. “It looks a very good wicket,” he added while inspecting the surface.
India’s squad, led by captain Shubman Gill, arrived in Kolkata after completing their white-ball series in Australia.
Head coach Gautam Gambhir and batting coach Sitanshu Kotak inspected the pitch on Monday, with Ganguly later visiting the ground to ensure the playing area was covered properly due to intermittent rain and dew concerns.