‘Imagine working hard for two years’ - Gautam Gambhir backs ICC’s red-to-pink ball rule

India head coach Gautam Gambhir has expressed support for the ICC's proposal to switch from a red ball to a pink ball during Test matches that are likely to be affected by poor light. The move is aimed at reducing interruptions and ensuring more playing time in traditional five-day matches.

Following its latest board meeting, the International Cricket Council (ICC) approved a trial that would allow the use of pink balls in regular Test matches, provided both participating teams agree to the arrangement before the start of the game.

According to reports, matches selected for the trial would begin with the conventional red ball. However, if bad light becomes a concern during the game, floodlights would be switched on and play would continue with a pink ball, which is generally more visible under artificial lighting.

“I love that. The reason is that I always believe that if there is an opportunity to get a result, you should always have that opportunity," Gambhir said while speaking at the pre-match press conference as quoted by News18.

Why is the IND-AFG Test not part of WTC 2025-27? Explained

India will take on Afghanistan in a one-off Test at Mullanpur starting on Saturday, June 6. While the match is not part of the World Test Championship cycle, it comes amid growing discussion around the ICC's newly approved trial involving the use of pink balls during regular Test matches affected by poor light. The regulation is set to come into effect from October 1.

The Indian team is set to host the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy in February-March, with the third Test scheduled in Guwahati and the final Test in Ranchi. Both venues are situated in eastern India, where daylight tends to fade earlier than in many other parts of the country.

“Imagine if you are playing the last Test before the World Test Championship final and you have the chance to win that Test and qualify. Because of bad light, it isn’t happening," Gambhir said.

“I am all for it if there is an opportunity to get the result and both the teams agree to it. I know it could be a little uncertain or difficult for the players playing the Test, but imagine working hard for two years and it is the last Test before the World Test Championship final," he added.