"There’s scope to make pitches flatter": Sanjay Manjrekar takes a dig at Indian tracks

Former India cricketer and commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has sparked a debate over pitch conditions in India, arguing that there is scope to make pitches flatter. His remarks come as India’s batting has struggled to back up its expectations in the ongoing five-match Twenty20 International series against West Indies. In the second T20I, India posted 249, while the third and fourth games yielded 223 on both occasions; West Indies chased down the 249 target with ease, underscoring the challenge for batsmen on the current surfaces. The report notes that apart from the first match, the series has produced a mix of outcomes, prompting discussions about how home-track characteristics influence results in the shortest format. Analysts and fans have debated whether flatter tracks would provide more consistent batting conditions and higher-scoring games, or whether such a move would tilt the balance away from bowlers. Manjrekar’s comments are framed as a critique of Indian track preparation and a call to re-evaluate surfaces to enhance viewing appeal and competitive balance in T20Is hosted at home. The piece presents the figures and the remarks as part of a broader conversation about pitch quality and India’s strategy as the series unfolds.