Gautam Gambhir's blunt response to critics of Indian pitches: ‘Improve your skills against spinners instead...'

Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has strongly defended the pitch conditions ahead of the first Test match against Bangladesh. The criticism surrounding Indian pitches being spin-friendly has been a topic of debate, with spinners often getting assistance from the surface right from the first day. In recent times, overseas batters have struggled to adapt to the Indian conditions, leading to some former overseas cricketers questioning the dominance of the Asian giants on home soil and attributing it to the pitches. Some matches in Indian conditions have even ended within two days, sparking further controversy over the quality of the pitches compared to those in SENA countries. Gambhir has made it clear that the team is focused on playing to their strengths and will not be swayed by the opinions of pitch critics.

Gambhir didn't hold back while slamming the critics of the Indian pitches. He said nobody talks about conditions in overseas countries. He said the opposition has to learn to play spinners to give India a test cricket competition.

"The thing is when you go to places like Australia, England, South Africa, the Test gets over in two and a half days, then there is not so much talk.

"But when the opposition team comes to India and if the Test match gets over in two and a half days, we keep saying that there is too much help for the spinners,” he argued.

Gambhir said it is impossible to prepare a pitch with a guarantee on the days a Test match would last.

"If there is too much help for the fast bowler, then no one talks about it. So, I think we have to be fair and clear on that front. I don't think anywhere in the world where you can prepare a wicket where you say that this Test will go on for five days.”

The 42-year-old said the skill level of players to play in all conditions matters more than the nature of the 22-yard strip.

"You got to have quality if you need a good Test. But you should be able to play against spin on a turning track and you should be able to play good fast bowling on a green track.

Gambhir gives no-nonsense advice for overseas players to tackle Indian conditions.

"So, I think this conversation or debate should end where people say that in India, when Test matches get over in two and a half days, it's too much support for spinners. The opposition needs to learn how to play against spinners rather than talk about changing the nature of the pitch," he detailed.