Guwahati’s pitch, dubbed a ‘national highway’ by commentator Ravi Shastri, offered a straight‑line avenue for batters. Over 93.3 overs, India and West Indies smashed 811 runs, a record‑setting total that left bowlers on the sidelines.
Gill’s 223* – a sublime, unbroken innings – was the engine, followed by Rohit’s 101, which flowed like a river through the scoreboard. West Indies fought back with three centuries, yet none of their bowlers managed to claim a wicket, turning the game into a one‑sided march of runs.
Former 1983 champion Madan Lal slammed the spectacle as “extremely boring” and demanded a return to the contest between bat and ball. “Over 800 runs on a paata wicket gives nothing to the bowlers,” he told TOI, urging curators to add life to the pitch. Sanjiv Sharma added that the rise of T20s has seeped confidence into the 50‑over arena, pushing teams to chase 400+.
The match highlights the existential crisis facing ODI cricket in a calendar crowded by T20s. With bowlers feeling the heat, the game’s future hinges on a balance between run‑fest and competitive play. Ahead, India faces the next fixture against Pakistan in the upcoming tri‑series, while West Indies prepare to regroup.