New Delhi, Oct 14 (NationPress) Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of India, expressed that the pitch at the Arun Jaitley Stadium could have been improved, especially given that it hosted their seven-wicket victory over the West Indies, sealing a 2-0 series triumph.

He emphasized the necessity for pitches that provide support to fast bowlers and ensure the ball carries to the wicketkeeper, particularly with a strong pace lineup featuring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, with Prasidh Krishna and Akash Deep waiting in the wings.

The current management has indicated a transition to more equitable surfaces, a move catalyzed by last year's 3-0 defeat against New Zealand on extremely spin-friendly pitches. This revised approach yielded immediate success in Ahmedabad, where India clinched the first Test in just three days with a victory margin of an innings and 140 runs. However, the match in New Delhi proved to be challenging.

Even as India aimed for a 2-0 series sweep, their bowlers labored for nearly 200 overs continuously after enforcing the follow-on on a sluggish black soil pitch, revealing the physical strain such surfaces can impose on the team. Although fast bowlers managed to extract some reverse swing with the new ball, spinners had to depend on patience and variation to collectively claim 13 wickets.

"I believed we could have had a more favorable wicket here. Yes, we achieved a result on day 5, but I believe edges need to carry. There should be something for the fast bowlers as well. While we often discuss the crucial role of spinners, having two outstanding fast bowlers in our squad means they should also remain in the game," Gambhir stated at the post-match press conference.

"It's acceptable that there isn't enough, but there should be carry. The lack of carry we observed was somewhat concerning. Moving forward, we can aim for better pitches in Test cricket because we all share the duty of preserving its essence. The primary way to keep Test cricket vibrant is to play on quality surfaces," he added.

While India’s bowlers took all 40 West Indies wickets across the two Tests, this also sets the stage for the type of pitches that will be used in the upcoming home series against South Africa next month. Given the significant turn and variable bounce observed at Gaddafi Stadium during the ongoing Pakistan-South Africa Test, India’s pitch selection could be decisive against a formidable South African batting lineup.

Gambhir commended the West Indies' resilience in the second Test, particularly their second innings, where John Campbell and Shai Hope each scored centuries, and Justin Greaves and Jayden Seales partnered for a 79-run last-wicket stand.

“I firmly believe that world cricket needs West Indian cricket. It is essential. It was heartening to witness their fight. They are a relatively inexperienced team that has undergone many changes. However, their performance in the second innings will undoubtedly boost their confidence,” he remarked.

Gambhir also justified the inclusion of seam-bowling allrounder Nitish Reddy, despite his limited bowling time, underscoring the importance of nurturing a young talent like him in home conditions.

“For me, the number of overs he has bowled isn’t critical. What matters is that he is acquiring experience at home. Sometimes, you gain significant insights just by participating in a cricket match. It’s a Test match, and we shouldn’t limit a 23-year-old solely to challenging overseas tours. That wouldn’t be fair to him,” he explained.

“When he performs well abroad, he deserves opportunities in home conditions as well. Wherever possible, we will continue to integrate him into Indian conditions, as it’s vital to develop someone like Nitish, particularly since quality seam bowling allrounders are scarce.”

“We have discussed the need for seam bowling allrounders for decades. Whenever we have the chance, we will keep nurturing him. The captain, conditions, and the number of overs bowled will influence this. Watching Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj bowl at home will be a tremendous learning experience for him,” he elaborated.

With no red-ball cricket scheduled for the next eight months ahead of the away series in Sri Lanka, the upcoming Tests against South Africa, the reigning World Test Championship winners, will serve as a significant benchmark for India’s transitioning Test side. Gambhir recognized the importance of providing young players a fair chance when they enter the team, especially as senior players retire.

“First and foremost, talent, work ethic, and character in the dressing room are crucial in red-ball cricket. You must assess what they contribute beyond runs and wickets. Their hunger is vital, and if you find individuals who embody these traits, they will certainly achieve success in Test cricket. Above all, as a team, we will enjoy a prosperous run as well,” he said.

“Consequently, allowing these players a longer run is paramount, as international cricket is an insecure arena where only 15 players can represent the country while numerous others await their chance.

“So, ensure you select the right character first, and then provide them a longer run, allowing them to feel satisfied and secure in their position, rather than face constant changes. Sometimes, it’s tough for a head coach and team management, as you may need to exclude players at times.”

“I dislike the term 'dropping players' because you don’t drop players; you merely select them. More importantly, when I exclude a player, I should feel emotional about it, rather than being purely ruthless. I feel a sense of loss when I leave any player out from the playing eleven or the squad,” he concluded.