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Munaf Patel Defends Gambhir, Says BCCI Pitch Policy Fuels India's Test Slide

The former pacer argues domestic pitch mandates have left batters underprepared for spin.

Overview

  • Speaking on the Breaking Sports podcast, Munaf Patel said criticism of head coach Gautam Gambhir is misplaced and unfair.
  • Patel claimed the BCCI stopped preparing turning pitches in domestic cricket and mandated at least 6mm of grass on surfaces.
  • He argued India are losing at home because batters lack practice against spin, which he says is a systems issue rather than a coaching flaw.
  • Patel highlighted the Test side’s inexperience, noting the group on the England tour did not have 100 caps combined.
  • He cited contrasting form as context, referencing heavy Test series defeats to New Zealand and South Africa and strong recent T20 results under Gambhir, including a 4–1 win over New Zealand and an ICC title.