Hardik Pandya urges flatter pitches after Namibia win
India all-rounder Hardik Pandya on Thursday called for flatter wickets at the T20 World Cup after India’s win over Namibia, saying batters need better surfaces to showcase their skills in the tournament.
Speaking after the group-stage clash, Pandya said the pitches have been too slow and uneven, making strokeplay difficult despite India securing victory. “We want good cricketing wickets,” Pandya said. “Fans come to watch boundaries and competitive totals, not games where 140 feels like 180.”
India managed to control the match with disciplined bowling and calculated batting, but Pandya admitted the surface demanded caution. “It’s not about complaining,” he added. “It’s about ensuring a fair contest between bat and ball.”
Namibia skipper Gerhard Erasmus acknowledged the challenge as well. “Both sides had to adjust quickly. The wicket wasn’t easy, but that’s international cricket,” he said.
With the Super 12 stage approaching, Pandya stressed consistency. “If conditions are better, you’ll see the best version of every team,” he noted, urging organisers to prepare more balanced tracks for the remainder of the tournament.