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Gambhir Slams 'Batting Only' Pitches After India's Record Chase: "This is Not Cricket!"
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News18•01-10-2026, 16:38
Gambhir Slams 'Batting Only' Pitches After India's Record Chase: "This is Not Cricket!"
- •Gautam Gambhir expressed strong dissatisfaction with the pitch despite India's record 406-run chase against West Indies.
- •He criticized pitches that are only favorable to batsmen, stating it's "not cricket, it's just batting."
- •Gambhir felt sorry for bowlers, arguing that such wickets offer little advantage and are an injustice to them.
- •He emphasized supporting young bowlers like Akif Nabi, focusing on execution of plans rather than just figures.
- •With the 2027 ODI World Cup a year away, Gambhir stressed giving opportunities to young players in difficult situations to build a strong team.
Key Questions Answered
Gautam Gambhir expressed strong dissatisfaction because the pitch offered no help to bowlers and favored only batsmen, creating an unfair contest and an injustice to young bowlers.
Gambhir noted that with only a year remaining before the 2027 ODI World Cup—reduced further by the IPL and Australia series commitments—India has only 20 ODIs left, prompting plans to test young players like Akif Nabi and Gurnoor Brar in difficult situations.
Gambhir stated that criticism of bowlers should be reduced and they should be given some leeway, as modern rules like two new balls, five fielders inside the circle, and aggressive batting leave few opportunities for them.
