‘This is not cricket, only batting’: Gambhir criticises Guwahati pitch after 811-run run-fest

India may have registered a dominant win in the second ODI against West Indies, but head coach Gautam Gambhir was far from impressed with what unfolded in Guwahati.

India chased down a daunting 405-run target with ease on Wednesday, September 30, reaching 406 in just 43.3 overs. The 811-run run-fest, however, left Gambhir questioning the balance between bat and ball.

Speaking to the broadcaster after the match, Gambhir criticised the Guwahati pitch and said the contest had become too heavily tilted in favour of the batters.

“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,” Gambhir said.

Bowlers struggled throughout the match, with neither side able to exert sustained control. India won the toss and chose to bowl first, but once again failed to make an impact in the powerplay. West Indies openers John Campbell and Shai Hope added 110 runs for the second wicket, laying the foundation for a huge total.

Campbell and Hope both went on to score centuries, while Amir Jangoo added another hundred as West Indies posted 405 runs. Despite the imposing total, the nature of the pitch and India’s formidable batting line-up meant the target never appeared completely out of reach.

SHUBMAN GILL LEADS INDIA’S RECORD CHASE

India’s reply followed a similar script. Rohit Sharma and captain Shubman Gill tore into the West Indies bowling attack, putting together a remarkable 255-run opening partnership in just 26 overs.

The stand effectively ended West Indies’ hopes of defending their total. Rohit brought up a century before falling for 101, but Gill continued his assault at the other end.

The India captain went on to smash the fastest double century in ODI cricket, finishing unbeaten on 223 off just 133 balls and completing India’s remarkable chase with 39 balls to spare.

Despite the batting spectacle, Gambhir argued that such matches come at the expense of bowlers and questioned the growing preference for high-scoring contests.

“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. 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 said.

Gambhir’s comments come amid a broader debate in cricket over pitches and playing conditions that heavily favour batters. Former cricketers and fans have increasingly questioned whether high-scoring matches are coming at the cost of a genuine contest between bat and ball.

The West Indies series has also sparked discussion over India’s preparation for next year’s ODI World Cup in South Africa. With the tournament expected to offer conditions featuring greater seam movement and bounce, questions have been raised over whether playing on flat pitches in the current series provides the ideal preparation for the challenges ahead.