'You do feel for the bowlers' - India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak slams pitch after Guwahati run-fest

India defeated West Indies by 8 wickets in the 2nd ODI at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on September 30, 2026. West Indies compiled 405 for 7 in their 50 overs, with centuries from Amir Jangoo, Shai Hope and John Campbell. India's chase was completed in 43.3 overs with the loss of just 2 wickets, as Shubman Gill remained unbeaten on 223 and Rohit Sharma scored 101 off 75 balls.

The match produced an aggregate of 811 runs, the third-highest in ODI history. India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak addressed the pitch conditions after the lopsided clash, expressing concern about the balance between bat and ball.

"There was not a lot for the bowlers. We wish that it is equally balanced. Like I said, maybe 300 runs wicket and other team have to fight hard to get that 300, 320 (is ideal)," Kotak said during the post-match press conference.

"The outfield is quick. 20, 30, 40 runs go there. Particularly in today's game, yes, you do feel for the bowlers," he added.

Kotak's assessment of the pitch conditions

Kotak's remarks highlighted the difficulty bowlers faced on a surface that offered minimal assistance. The quick outfield at the venue allowed batters to accumulate runs easily, with boundaries coming frequently. The batting coach's comments reflected the challenge of maintaining competitive balance when one aspect of the game dominates so heavily. The West Indies batters capitalised on these conditions to post a substantial total, while India's opening pair of Gill and Sharma then exploited the same batting-friendly surface to chase down the target with ease.

Also Read: 'I don't think this game was fun to watch' - Dinesh Karthik lashes out at Guwahati pitch for IND vs WI 2026 2nd ODI

Head coach Gautam Gambhir was equally critical of the pitch conditions, describing the match as a one-sided contest. The third and final ODI, which is now inconsequential, will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Saturday, October 3. After this encounter, the two teams will square off in a five-match T20I series, starting with the first game in Lucknow on Tuesday, October 6.