Gautam Gambhir criticises Guwahati pitch after India chase 406
Gautam Gambhir said the Guwahati surface reduced the match to batting practice after India chased 406 against the West Indies.
India coach Gautam Gambhir criticised the flat pitch at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium after India chased 406 in the second ODI against the West Indies. The hosts scored 811 runs across both innings, with five centuries. Gambhir said the surface produced batting displays rather than a contest between bat and ball.
India won by eight wickets with 39 balls remaining, reaching the target in 43.3 overs after Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 and Rohit Sharma made 101. West Indies posted 405 for seven, their highest ODI total. Gambhir said young bowlers needed better conditions to develop under pressure.
The coach noted that entertainment required tight games, not one-sided run-fests. He added that the majority of IPL 2026 matches had also favoured batters through flat pitches and the Impact Player rule. Gambhir said bowlers required more assistance to remain relevant in the format.
CricHubb Take
If the BCCI keeps scheduling on roads, the next time India need a result from a young attack, the conditions won't be there to test them.