India head coach Gautam Gambhir has called for a more balanced contest between batters and bowlers after India’s T20I clash against the West Indies in Ranchi turned into a high-scoring encounter. The two sides were in an all-out alliance, as the West Indies paced India off to seal the win, as it was more than 500 runs that they mustered together.
With 82 off 41 deliveries Sanju Samson added a splendid half century to prop up India’s 249/5 (20 ovs) target. Shai Hope smote 102 of 45 balls for an unbeaten hundred to help the West Indies launch a 252/4 in 18.3 overs.
It was a match that showed the difficulties bowlers can encounter on batting friendly pitches, especially when the dew makes getting a hold on the ball too difficult and bowlers have to be able to throw variations including wide yorkers and slower deliveries.
Bowlers’ Futures Are on the Line Too’
Gambhir delivered a statement while addressing the media at the post-match press conference that says entertaining cricket is what spectators and teams looks for, but they also need the competitive element between bat and ball.
“Who wouldn’t like a good ‘bat/ball competition’? Of course. What you want we want too, dont want to do high scoring matches, at the same time don’t want to compromise with the boundaries, we want to enjoy our cricket chasing too,” Gautam Gambhir said.
He also emphasised that bowlers form a part of the team and their work is also important. His remarks came in light of situations in which it becomes much simpler to bat than to bowl.
The matter has arisen in the India-West Indies ODI series including in Guwahati on Saturday when both sides combined for 800 runs.
Gambhir Says India Must Adapt to Difficult Conditions
While dew and flat pitches can prove difficult to bowl, Gambhir said the Indians would have to work around it as the T20 World Cup reigning champions.
He noted that the West Indies have already collected two wickets in the opening over and in the first six overs, and yet manage to chase the target.
Gautam Gambhir noted that it was hard to argue with a sizeable total, but gave a thumbs-up to Hope’s knock and admitted the West Indies batting line-up’s quality.
The obviously noticeable point of his remarks indicates the need of India as they hope for better out of their bowlers against an environment which has become increasingly favourable to fast-scrimmage semi-defensive batting.