Flat pitches raise questions about India's 2027 World Cup preparation
Former players and India's coach questioned flat pitches after 811 runs were scored in the second ODI against West Indies.
India coach Gautam Gambhir and former players questioned the flat pitches used in the West Indies ODI series after 811 runs were scored in the second match in Guwahati. Gambhir said the conditions reduced the game to batting only and offered no contest for bowlers.
Former India pacer Madan Lal said bowlers are being finished by such surfaces, while Karsan Ghavri called flat pitches a deathbed for bowlers despite being good for sponsors and crowds. The series has seen India chase 296 and 406 with minimal wickets lost.
The debate comes as India prepares for the 2027 World Cup, where balanced surfaces will be required across three host nations. The third ODI is scheduled for New Chandigarh on Saturday.
CricHubb Take
The flat-pitch debate exposes a tension between entertainment value and competitive integrity. Indian fans and broadcasters enjoy high scores, but the 2027 World Cup will be played on varied surfaces across three countries. If India prepares only on batting paradises, their bowlers may struggle when the tournament demands control and variation.