Gambhir rues batting-friendly pitches after India's record ODI chase
India coach Gautam Gambhir said the batting-friendly pitch in Guwahati was unfair on bowlers after his side completed the second-highest successful chase in one-day international history on Wednesday. India overhauled West Indies’ 405-7 with an eight-wicket victory to seal the series, but Gambhir said the run-fest underlined the need for a fairer contest between bat and ball. “There has to be a…
India's cricket coach, Gautam Gambhir, lamented the batting-friendly nature of the Guwahati pitch after his team's record-breaking ODI chase. India chased down West Indies' 405-7, winning the series and setting a new high. However, Gambhir expressed concern over the lack of balance between bat and ball, emphasizing the need for a fairer contest.
He criticized the wicket for being unfair to bowlers, arguing that it offered little assistance to those who rely on it. Gambhir believed bowlers should have more support on such surfaces, as their figures can sometimes misrepresent their actual performance. He stressed the importance of balanced pitches for maintaining a healthy contest between bat and ball, particularly in the context of modern ODI cricket's various pressures.
Looking to the upcoming 50-over World Cup, Gambhir highlighted the limited time India has to experiment with different combinations before the tournament. The Indian Premier League and bilateral commitments, he noted, reduce the window for such experimentation. India currently leads the three-match series 2-0, with the final ODI scheduled in New Chandigarh on Saturday.
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