Following India’s record-breaking pursuit of 406 runs against the West Indies in the Guwahati ODI, the conversation in cricket circles has shifted toward the increasing disparity between batting conditions and bowling utility. Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir, while addressing the host broadcasters, did not mince words regarding the lopsided nature of the contest, stating, “It’s not cricket, it’s batting,” reflecting an urgent concern for the current state of bowling prospects.
India’s batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, acknowledged the brilliance of Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma during the chase but admitted the surface offered minimal assistance for bowlers. During the post-match press conference, Kotak noted, “There was not a lot for the bowlers. We wish that it is equally balanced. Like I said, maybe 300 runs wicket and other team have to fight hard to get that 300, 320 is ideal. The outfield is quick; 20, 30, 40 runs go there. Particularly in today’s game, yes, you do feel for the bowlers.” Kotak felt that they could have restricted West Indies by 30-40 runs but stopped short of criticising the pitch itself.
The match saw a rare spectacle where five different batters across both teams reached three figures, including one double century. The surface in Guwahati appeared notably flat, providing little help for pace or spin, even without the typical interference of dew in the second innings. While Kotak conceded the pitch was flatter than the one used during the first ODI in Trivandrum—where the ball showed some turn—he avoided criticizing the groundsmen, emphasizing that creating a perfect surface is an inherently difficult task. This, despite there being close to no dew in the second innings, which usually hampers bowling under lights. Which also saw a near-600 run match aggregate, kotak admitted the ball was slightly turning in the first ODI at Trivandrum.
West Indies bowling coach Ravi Rampaul echoed these sentiments, highlighting the global trend of flat tracks. “Flat pitches are everywhere now,” Rampaul said. “This is flatter, more for batting, because it allows nothing for the spinners, nothing for the fast bowlers. Obviously, whoever scores more runs wins the game, and it’s tough for bowlers coming into these conditions and coming out without any set of wickets.” But I don’t think we can play on bad wickets. “See, we keep talking about pitches.
Regarding the science of pitch preparation, Kotak argued that criticism of curators is misplaced because results are often unpredictable. He explained, “It is possible that the curator tries to make a match with 250 or 300 runs and the wicket spins or seams more and the team gets out for 150 runs. So, he will get criticism in that too. If he thought that this match will be high-scoring, could have 300 or 350 or 400 runs. That is why I said that criticism is something I would not do. I mean, it’s not as simple and as easy.” He, however, insisted he wouldn’t go criticising the curators, since it’s not an exact science.
Looking ahead, India has upcoming ODI series against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe as part of their preparations for the next World Cup in Africa. When asked if the current run-heavy domestic conditions might create a false sense of security, Kotak expressed confidence in his squad’s adaptability. He noted that the team will play five games in New Zealand soon, where conditions might better resemble those they will face in South Africa.
Kotak pointed out that the evolution of batting standards complicates the search for the perfect wicket. Reflecting on the history of the sport, he noted, “Sometimes I also wonder that, say in 1983 World Cup, 180 runs in 60 overs were lot. Today, it looks 400 also is not enough. So, whether it is only wicket to blame or standard of batting is going high, the way guys are batting. So, it’s debatable.”
Ultimately, Kotak reiterated that while he hopes for better-balanced pitches—ideally in the 300 to 320-run range—the team must be ready to face various surface types. He remains optimistic that the players will adjust to more challenging conditions as they appear on the international calendar, stating, “Hopefully by then we should be prepared.”
