Munaf Patel, former Indian ace fast bowler, backed Gautam Gambhir while holding the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) accountable for the national team’s decline.
Patel, in a recent interview with ‘Breaking Sports with Vivek Sethia’, stated, “Why we are losing at home is because our batters don’t know how to play spin. And the BCCI is at fault for it. They have stopped offering turning pitches in domestic cricket. They have made it mandatory that at least 6 mm of grass be on pitches. How will it turn?”
Gambhir has faced severe criticism from the sports fraternity for India’s decline in Test Cricket at home. However, Munaf supported Gambhir, stating he should not be blamed for the downhill journey of India in Test Cricket.
“Earlier, our curators would prepare pitches as per our strengths. And hence, when India plays at home, we dish out turning wickets. So clearly, you don’t understand where to get your feet and bat,” Munaf said.
He added, “Everyone’s blaming Gautam Gambhir. He’s being unfairly targeted. He is not batting out there. The ones who are aren’t prepared enough.”
The bowler further expressed, “Why are you targeting one person? He is a good coach. He’s won an ICC title and drawn the Test series in England.”
India failed to secure their spot for the World Test Championship (WTC) final in 2025. After the team’s defeat against South Africa, they lost their possibility of sealing a spot in the WTC 2027 final.
The national team now is preparing for the T20 World Cup 2026 and the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
