India coach Gautam Gambhir has criticised the Guwahati surface after the second ODI against West Indies produced 811 runs, saying bowlers need more assistance if the contest is to be fair.
A match dominated by batters
India won by eight wickets to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The game featured five centuries, including a record-breaking double hundred from Shubman Gill.
Gambhir felt the pitch did little for the bowlers. India’s pacers all conceded more than nine runs an over and shared only three wickets. West Indies’ four quicks also struggled, going for more than eight an over.
He told Star Sports the game was only about batting. He accepted that big scores suit records, spectators and broadcasters, but said bowlers also need conditions in which they can compete.
Backing Auqib Nabi
Gambhir also asked for patience with Auqib Nabi, whose debut ended with 84 runs conceded from 8.5 overs and no wicket.
In his view, bowlers should not be judged on figures alone, especially on a flat pitch. The staff should instead ask whether they carried out their plans. He added that young bowlers need support and confidence, and stressed that Nabi was playing his first international and had little help from the surface.
