This is not cricket, this is just batting: Head coach Gambhir critical of Guwahati track
Indian cricket coach Gautam Gambhir has criticized the flat pitch conditions at Barsapara Stadium, arguing that the lack of balance between bat and ball is detrimental to the sport. He expressed concern that such surfaces turn bowlers into bystanders and offer no competitive margin for them.
Why it matters
The debate highlights ongoing concerns in professional cricket regarding pitch preparation and the sustainability of the game in an era dominated by high-scoring batting performances.
India's head coach Gautam Gambhir came down heavily on a flat Barsapara Stadium track where India chased down a record 406 against the West Indies with skipper Shubman Gill hitting a double hundred and former captain Rohit Sharma smashing his 35th century.
Not to forget the centuries scored by West Indies batters John Campbell, skipper Shai Hope and rising star Amir Jangoo.
Even after a comfortable chase, Gambhir's irritation was palpable.
“If I have to be absolutely honest, I feel there has to be a bit more contest between bat and ball. This is not cricket, this is only batting. Imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400,” Gambhir told Parthiv Patel during a conversation with JioStar after winning the second ODI on Wednesday (September 30).
Also covering this story
2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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