India and New Zealand are going to face each other in the three-match Test series starting on 16th October 2024 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. Before the start of the series, the Indian head coach had interacted with the media and talked about many things in favor of bowlers.
Gambhir’s statement highlights an important shift, indicating that we’re moving into a time where bowlers, not batters, will have the biggest impact on the game.
“This is the age of the bowlers. Batters only set up the matches,” Gambhir said.
“It’s very important for our batsman-obsessed attitude to end. If the batters make 1000 runs, there’s still no guarantee that the team will win a Test match, but if a bowler takes 20 wickets, there’s a 99% guarantee that we’ll win the match.”
His comments show his strong belief that bowlers, more than batters, are the key to winning matches and tournaments. Gambhir has always supported this change in thinking.
Now the skipper of the Indian cricket team Rohit Sharma has countered the statement of Gautam Gambhir. While talking to the press, ahead of the first Test, Sharma said, “To win a match, you also need batters who make runs for you. Everything is required, as this is a team game, it does not happen that bowlers always win matches for you.”
Rohit talked further and added, “Batters are always needed, you need a perfect 11 to win matches for you. If batters score runs, it gives freedom to the bowlers to bowl according to their convenience.”
“If you look at the other side, you need bowlers who can destroy opponents, and thus help batters to score runs and win for the team. That’s why you need a perfect combination of batters and bowlers.”
