Former Indian captain hits back at pitch critics after India’s Hyderabad defeat: ‘If you…’

Sunil Gavaskar has strongly defended the pitch at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium following India’s 24-run loss to the West Indies in the fourth T20I on Wednesday night. The defeat levelled the five-match series at 2-2 and sparked fresh debate over high-scoring surfaces in Indian white-ball cricket. West Indies recorded a formidable 247 for 3, powered by captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 102 off just 50 balls, before restricting India to 223 for 9 in 19.3 overs.

Hope’s innings, featuring nine sixes, was supported by Sherfane Rutherford’s rapid 49 not out off 26 balls and Shimron Hetmyer’s 33 off 12. India, who chose to field first, saw Sanju Samson blaze 56 off 23 balls at the top, while Tilak Varma (43) and Nitish Kumar Reddy (41) added useful middle-order contributions. However, Keemo Paul’s five-wicket haul of 5 for 41 proved decisive as the hosts fell short.

Former Indian captain hits back at pitch critics after India’s Hyderabad defeat: ‘If you…’

In the aftermath, criticism focused on the pitch, with some observers and fans labelling recent surfaces in the series as overly batting-friendly after multiple 200-plus totals. However, Gavaskar is not entertained by the criticism. The legendary former India captain rejected that narrative and argued that poor execution, particularly an excess of full tosses, was the real culprit rather than the conditions. While speaking on JioHotstar, he said:

“Even the West Indies bowlers made quite a few errors while the partnership between Tilak Varma and Nitish was developing; they bowled too many full tosses.”

Gavaskar added:

“We often talk about pitches and blame them, claiming they offer no assistance to the bowlers. But if you bowl full tosses, the pitch isn’t to blame.”

The former cricketer also continued by saying that success only came later when the visitors bowled the right lengths or delivered yorkers. His remarks land amid an ongoing conversation about the balance between bat and ball in T20 cricket in India. The series has already produced entertaining, high-octane cricket. West Indies, led by Hope’s exceptional form across the tour, have shown they can both chase and defend big totals.

India, still the stronger side on paper in many eyes, must now refine their execution if they are to claim the series. As the teams head to Bengaluru, the debate over pitches is unlikely to disappear. Yet Gavaskar’s message is clear that responsibility starts with the players in the middle. When lengths are right and yorkers land, results follow regardless of the surface. The final match will provide the next test of whether India can apply that lesson under pressure.

Gautam Gambhir's take

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has repeatedly called for more sporting surfaces that give bowlers a fair chance, emphasising that “bowlers’ careers are at stake” on consistently flat tracks. His comments after earlier matches in the series, including the high-scoring second T20I in Ranchi, highlighted a desire for even contests rather than one-sided run-fests.

The Hyderabad pitch itself was not entirely without assistance, as according to reports, it was a relaid surface that offered some hold and bounce at times. Yet India’s pace attack struggled for control. Mayank Yadav and Arshdeep Singh both conceded 52 runs in their four overs, while Prince Yadav was the standout with 1 for 36.

Captain Shreyas Iyer on the issue

Captain Shreyas Iyer admitted post-match that the problems began with the bowling. He also mentioned the side failed to execute lines and lengths consistently while defending such a large total. India’s chase showed flashes of promise but lacked the sustained acceleration required. After Samson’s early fireworks, the middle order could not maintain the required rate against improved West Indies bowling.

Arshdeep Singh, who had also bowled, later retired hurt after being struck on the shoulder, adding to the drama in the closing stages. The result sets up a series decider in Bengaluru at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. For India, the focus will inevitably turn to bowling discipline and selection questions, including whether specialist wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav, left out in Hyderabad, could offer greater control on surfaces that provide some grip. Meanwhile, India and West Indies are currently tied 2-2 in the T20 series.

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