‘This is not cricket, only batting’: Gambhir hits out at Guwahati pitch after 811-run thriller

India produced a stunning run chase against West Indies in the second ODI in Guwahati, but the nature of the 811-run contest left head coach Gautam Gambhir unimpressed.

India chased down West Indies’ imposing 405-run target in just 43.3 overs on Wednesday, September 30, with captain Shubman Gill smashing an unbeaten 223 off 133 balls. Despite the record-breaking batting display, Gambhir criticised the Guwahati pitch for offering little assistance to bowlers.

Gambhir said the match lacked the balance that makes cricket a genuine contest between bat and ball.

“Look, if I have to be absolutely honest, I feel there has to be a bit more contest between bat and ball. Because you talk about cricket, but this is not cricket, this is only batting,” he told the broadcaster after the match.

The bowlers struggled from the outset. India opted to field after winning the toss but were unable to make early inroads during the powerplay. John Campbell and Shai Hope put on 110 runs, providing West Indies with the platform for a massive total.

Campbell and Hope both went on to score centuries, while Amir Jangoo added another hundred as West Indies finished on 405. However, the flat nature of the surface meant the total never looked entirely safe.

India’s response was even more emphatic. Rohit Sharma and Gill launched an aggressive assault, adding 255 runs for the opening wicket in only 26 overs.

Rohit brought up his century before being dismissed for 101, but Gill continued to dominate. The India captain raced to an unbeaten 223 off 133 deliveries, recording the fastest double century in ODI cricket and taking India home with 39 balls remaining.

GAMBHIR DEFENDS BOWLERS

While the run-fest may have thrilled the crowd and delivered plenty of records, Gambhir argued that such pitches can make life extremely difficult for bowlers, particularly youngsters trying to establish themselves at the international level.

“Imagine a young bowler bowling on this wicket, and the opposition getting 400 and then we go on to chase 400. Obviously, for the records it’s outstanding, for the crowd it’s outstanding, for the broadcaster it’s outstanding,” Gambhir said.

“But if you ask me as a genuine cricket fan and as a coach, I have to have sympathy for the bowlers as well,” he added.

Gambhir’s criticism also touched on the wider debate over the growing emphasis on high-scoring matches. While huge totals and aggressive batting can create spectacular entertainment, pitches that provide little assistance to bowlers can leave them with limited options beyond defensive lines.

The conditions in the West Indies series have also prompted discussion about India’s preparations for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. Unlike the flat surfaces seen in Guwahati, South African conditions can provide greater seam movement and bounce, making the ability to adapt to different surfaces an important part of the tournament challenge.