Yuzvendra Chahal Backs Gautam Gambhir's Call for Better Cricket Pitches
Yuzvendra Chahal has criticised batting-friendly pitches, dew and smaller boundaries after India and West Indies combined for 501 runs in the Ranchi T20I.
India spinner Yuzvendra Chahal has backed head coach Gautam Gambhir's demand for better cricket pitches, arguing that modern-day conditions increasingly favour batters at the expense of bowlers.
Speaking on JioStar's Haier Cricket Live, Chahal said flat pitches, heavy dew and smaller boundaries leave bowlers with limited opportunities to showcase their skills.
His comments followed the second T20I between India and West Indies in Ranchi on October 9, which produced 501 runs. India scored 249/5, but West Indies chased down the target in 18.3 overs to secure a six-wicket victory.
West Indies captain Shai Hope smashed an unbeaten 102 off 45 balls, while Sherfane Rutherford scored 84 off 37 deliveries. The visitors completed the second-highest successful run chase in men's T20I history.
Chahal also questioned the impact of batting-friendly conditions in the Indian Premier League (IPL). He argued that high-scoring powerplays and smaller grounds make it increasingly difficult for bowlers to compete.
The leg-spinner called for pitches that offer more assistance to bowlers, saying cricket needs a better balance between bat and ball.
Gambhir calls for a fair contest
Gambhir has raised similar concerns, arguing that cricket should not become a contest dominated by batting alone. He reiterated his position after the Ranchi match, acknowledging that fans enjoy boundaries but stressing the importance of a fair contest.
India will look to bounce back in the third T20I against West Indies on Sunday, October 11, at Indore's Holkar Stadium.
