Team India head coach Gautam Gambhir has backed the International Cricket Council's (ICC) proposed playing condition changes. The head coach welcomed the idea of switching from the traditional red ball to a pink ball when poor light affects play, saying that producing a result should remain a priority.
Gambhir shared his views ahead of India's one-off Test against Afghanistan. The upcoming match will be played at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh from June 6 to June 10 and could potentially be affected by the revised playing conditions if they are introduced.
If There's an Opportunity to Get a Result, You Should Take It - Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir backed the ICC's proposed rule changes and said every effort should be made to produce a result in Test cricket. The India head coach believes teams should not miss out on victories because of poor light, especially in important matches.
"I love that. In fact, I've always believed that if there's an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity," Gautam Gambhir told reporters at the pre-match press conference.
"Imagine if you're playing the last Test match before the World Test Championship final and you have the chance to win that Test match and qualify. And if because of bad light it's not happening, I'm all for it."
India are currently sixth in the WTC 2025-27 standings with 48.15 percent of the available points from nine matches. They suffered a 2-0 home series defeat against South Africa, making every result even more important in the race for a place in the WTC final.
It Could Be Difficult for the Players, But It's a Positive Move - Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir acknowledged that switching from a red ball to a pink ball during a Test match could create challenges for players. However, he believes the move is necessary if it helps ensure important matches reach a result.
"I know it could be a little unfair and difficult for the players playing the Test match. But imagine working hard for two years and the last Test match before the World Test Championship final. If you don't play five days because of bad light, how unfair could that be?"
"So I think it's a proactive move. It's a positive move and hopefully the teams will start taking it in a positive way."
ICC Introduces Pink-Ball Trial to Reduce Poor-Light Interruptions in Tests
The ICC introduced the revised guidelines to maximize playing time in weather-affected matches. The changes are designed to help teams complete the scheduled number of overs each day, with the ICC and the Marylebone Cricket Club also exploring new lighting solutions to reduce interruptions caused by poor light.
As part of the trial, teams will be allowed to use a pink ball in Test matches when poor light is expected to affect play. The ICC believes the move could help reduce lost playing time and increase the chances of achieving a result in affected matches.
Under the proposed trial, match officials can only introduce the pink ball if both teams agree before the start of the match. India have experience with day-night Test cricket, having played five pink-ball Tests so far.
Also read: "Read the situation": Gautam Gambhir sends strong message to Rishabh Pant after vice-captaincy snub
