Gautam Gambhir calls for better Test pitches after West Indies series

After India wrapped up a 2‑0 Test series win over West Indies, head coach Gautam Gambhir voiced concerns about the flat pitches used in Delhi and Ahmedabad. He acknowledged that India achieved the desired result but argued that the lack of carry deprived fast bowlers of opportunities and diminished spectator appeal. Gambhir noted that in Delhi India were on the field for 200.4 overs across two innings, with fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj delivering 31.5 and 24 overs respectively. He stressed that to keep Test cricket alive, wickets must offer something for bowlers and produce results without excessive spin or placidness. “Nicks need to carry,” he said, urging curators to prepare surfaces with more bounce and seam movement.

The article placed Gambhir’s comments in context. India had produced spinning pitches against New Zealand earlier in the year and were criticised for excessive turn. Against West Indies, surfaces were deliberately flatter to provide practice ahead of the South Africa series, but they perhaps went too far. West Indies showed resilience, batting 118.5 overs in the second innings in Delhi. Gambhir’s call for better pitches emphasises the delicate balance curators must strike. He also mentioned that India’s next home Test, against South Africa in Kolkata, would be a litmus test for pitch preparation.