What is it with Indian cricket’s varying approaches to home pitches? Why is there no middle ground?
At home, India’s Test pitches can turn square and leave their own batters struggling, while teams like New Zealand and South Africa have won series in India. In ODIs, however, the pendulum appears to swing completely the other way, with bowlers often left with virtually nothing to work with.
The second ODI against West Indies in Guwahati was a perfect example.
More than 800 runs were scored in 93.3 overs as West Indies posted 405/7 before India chased down the target with extraordinary ease, reaching 406/2 in just 43.3 overs. It was only the second successful chase of a 400-plus target in ODI history, and India’s highest-ever successful chase.
West Indies had three centurions — John Campbell, Shai Hope and Amir Jangoo — while India produced two of their own. Rohit Sharma scored 101 off 75 balls, and Shubman Gill produced a sensational 223 not out from 133 deliveries.
Gill’s innings was his second ODI double-century, making him only the second batter after Rohit to achieve the feat. He reached 200 in just 117 balls, making it the fastest double-century in men’s ODI cricket.
The pair had earlier added 255 for the opening wicket, setting up a chase that quickly became a procession. Ruturaj Gaikwad finished unbeaten on 31 as India completed the victory with 39 balls remaining.
But spare a thought for the bowlers.
On a surface this benign, bowlers on both sides were essentially reduced to spectators as the batters feasted. Gurnoor Brar went for 96 in his 10 overs; the debutant, Auqib Nabi, conceded 84 in 8.5 overs. Kuldeep Yadav was the pick of India’s attack with 2/65, but there was precious little assistance anywhere else.
For West Indies, Keemo Paul was the most expensive, going for 49 in three overs. Alzarri Joseph bled 89 runs form eight overs. Jayden Seales took 1/78 from eight.
Watching batters score hundreds for fun may be entertaining. But with the World Cup only a year away, what exactly does Team India gain from producing ODIs like this?
