Gambhir Rips Into India's Flat Pitches as Indore Braces for Another Run-Fest in Third T20I

INDORE: India head coach Gautam Gambhir has been highly critical of the pitches offered during the ongoing T20I series against the West Indies, calling for a better balance between bat and ball. His frustration came to a head in Ranchi, where he said bowlers' careers were at stake after the West Indies chased down a target of 250 — the second-highest successful chase in the format.

The surface at Ranchi became increasingly easier to bat on as the second innings wore on and dew settled in, making it difficult for bowlers to grip the ball. Bowlers are bracing for similar conditions in Indore.

A belter on offer

The third T20I at the Holkar Stadium is expected to echo that trend. The pitch is traditionally flat, the boundaries are significantly shorter than those in Lucknow and Ranchi, and dew is expected to play a major role. The venue has witnessed one 400-plus and three 330-plus ODI totals, while teams have crossed the 220-run mark twice in T20Is. Another high-scoring contest is therefore on the cards on Sunday.

The Indian team arrived in the afternoon and, shortly afterwards, Gambhir and his support staff visited the stadium to inspect the pitch. They had a brief discussion with the ground staff before leaving, anticipating another run-fest on offer.

With dew likely to be a decisive factor once again, Gambhir's calls for a fairer contest between bat and ball look set to go unanswered in Indore.