Indian national cricket team head coach Gautam Gambhir has launched an attack on critics of Indian cricket pitches ahead of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh national cricket team.

Indian-made pitches have been subject to much criticism for their over-helpful nature to bowlers. There have been instances where the ball was turning from the first day of play and matches were over within two or three days. All this has led to harsh criticism of Indian pitches from some pundits and fans.

India’s next challenge will be against Bangladesh and a red-dirt pitch will reportedly be used. This could open up the possibility of the Indian team using a three-man attack along with two bowlers.

Ahead of the Test matches, Gautam Gambhir highlighted the hypocrisy of pundits and media who only criticise Indian pitches and do not raise questions when matches end in two days in SENA countries.

“The problem is that when you go to places like Australia, England, South Africa, the test is over in two and a half days, so there is not as much talk about it.

“But when the opposing team comes to India and the Test match ends in two and a half days, we still say there is too much help for the bowlers,” he said.

If there is too much help for the fast bowler, then no one talks about it – Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir added that there is no criticism of tracks that offer excessive support to pacemakers. He said:

“If there is too much help for the fast bowler, then nobody talks about it. So I think we have to be fair and clear on that aspect. I don’t think there is anywhere in the world where you can set a wicket and say this Test is going to go on for five days.”

Gautam Gambhir also sent a clear message to the visiting team’s batsmen, saying that they should improve their game against spin bowling instead of blaming the pitches for their failures.

“To do a good test you have to have quality, but you have to be able to play against the effect on a track with curves and you have to be able to throw quickly and well on a green track.

“So, I think this conversation or debate should end with people saying that in India, when Test matches are over in two and a half days, there is too much reliance on spin bowlers. The opposition needs to learn to play against spin bowlers rather than talking about changing the nature of the pitch,” he said.

Meanwhile, India and Bangladesh are scheduled to play the first Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai from September 19-23 and the players are leaving no stone unturned in preparation for the start of the big Test season.