India wrapped up a comfortable 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies inside the first hour of the fifth day, but head coach Gautam Gambhir expressed concerns over the quality of the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium here, suggesting it could have offered more for the bowlers.
After enduring a 3-0 drubbing at home against New Zealand on spin-friendly tracks last year, India opted for flatter surfaces in both Ahmedabad and Delhi.
While West Indies struggled with the bat in Ahmedabad, bowled out for 44.1 and 45.1 overs in the two innings, they arrived in Delhi having learnt some lessons and showed better application on a surface that appeared even flatter.
Gambhir, however, took serious objection to the lack of bounce and carry on offer. “I thought that we could have had a better wicket here. Yes, we did get the result on Day 5, but again, I think nicks need to carry,” Gambhir said.
The Delhi Test saw India’s bowlers put in a heavy shift, spending 200.4 overs on the field across the two West Indies innings, including a tiring 118.5 overs in the second after skipper Shubman Gill enforced the follow-on.
Jasprit Bumrah bowled 31.5 overs in the match, while Mohammed Siraj delivered 24. Despite flashes of brilliance from both pacers, they were often frustrated by a pitch that allowed batters to play comfortably on the back foot and defend without much difficulty.
“I think there has to be something for the fast bowlers as well. I know we keep talking about spinners playing an important role, but when you’ve got probably two quality fast bowlers in your ranks, you still want them to be in the game as well. And it is okay that there’s not enough, but there has to be carry. So where we all saw, I thought the carry wasn’t there, which was a bit alarming,” Gambhir pointed out.
The former India opener also touched upon the broader issue of maintaining the appeal and competitiveness of Test cricket, insisting that better pitches were crucial for the format’s survival.
“And I think going forward, we can get better wickets in Test cricket because all of us have the responsibility of keeping Test cricket alive. I think the first and foremost thing to keep Test cricket alive is playing on good surfaces,” he further stated.
With India set to host South Africa next, starting with the first Test in Kolkata from November 14, Gambhir’s comments could put the spotlight firmly on the pitch conditions for the upcoming series.
The second Test against South Africa will be played at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, with the stadium set to make its international red-ball debut.