Gautam Gambhir questions flat pitches after India chase 406 in Guwahati
Gautam Gambhir criticised the flat pitch in Guwahati after India chased 406, saying it offered little contest between bat and ball.
India coach Gautam Gambhir said the flat pitch in Guwahati that produced 811 runs across 93.3 overs was not ideal preparation for the 2027 World Cup. He told broadcasters after the second ODI against West Indies that conditions offered little contest between bat and ball. Gambhir added that record chases are good for crowds and broadcasters but leave young bowlers without meaningful work.
Former India pacers Madan Lal and Karsan Ghavri echoed his concerns, saying small boundaries and two new balls have turned recent ODIs into batting exhibitions. The third ODI at New Chandigarh on Saturday is the final match of the series. India have already secured an unassailable 2-0 lead after chasing 296 and 406 in the first two games.
Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls in the chase of 406 while Rohit Sharma made 101. West Indies posted 405 for seven with three centurions, the first time a team has crossed 400 in an ODI innings against India.
CricHubb Take
Gambhir's comments suggest the BCCI may need to balance entertainment value with competitive preparation as India approach a World Cup on South African pitches that typically offer more for bowlers.