India head coach Gautam Gambhir has criticised the batting-friendly conditions in Guwahati despite his team’s record-breaking ODI chase against the West Indies.
The 2nd ODI between India and West Indies at the ACA Stadium on Wednesday was an absolute run-fest, with the pitch in Guwahati offering little to no assistance and creating a heavily one-sided battle dominated by batters. Three West Indies batters reached their centuries, while Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill also delivered sensational performances during India’s chase.
The match delivered peak entertainment, but cricket fans lambasted the flat tracks, which offered no assistance to the bowlers. Even India head coach Gautam Gambhir was not happy with the conditions in Assam.
‘This is not cricket; this is only batting’
Speaking to broadcasters after the match, Gambhir acknowledged that while record-breaking chases and high-scoring contests are thrilling for fans and broadcasters, they often come at the expense of bowlers.
The Indian head coach also stressed that cricket should have balance between bat and ball, arguing that creators need to offer conditions where bowlers can also work their magic.
“Look, if I have to be absolutely honest, I feel I think there has to be a bit more contest between bat and ball, because I think you talk about cricket – but this is not cricket; this is only batting. Because imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400.
More from Firstcricket“Obviously, for the records it’s outstanding, for the crowd it’s outstanding, for the broadcaster it’s outstanding, but if you ask me as a genuine cricket fan and as a coach, because I have to have sympathy for the bowlers as well. When you bowl on this kind of a wicket, it’s not fair for the bowlers. So we’ve got to give something to the bowlers so there’s at least something which the bowlers can work with,” Gambhir said.
How many runs were scored in 2nd ODI?
A total of 811 runs were scored in the second innings, with Gill producing a record-breaking performance to help India defeat the West Indies by eight wickets and seal an unassailable 2-0 lead in the one-day international series.
The third ODI match between India and West Indies will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.