India head coach Gautam Gambhir has thrown his support behind the ICC’s proposed trial of using a pink ball in traditional Test matches when poor light threatens to interrupt play. The move, which was approved at the ICC’s recent board meeting, is aimed at reducing lost playing time and increasing the chances of achieving a result in red-ball cricket.

Under the proposed trial, Tests would begin with the conventional red ball. However, if fading light becomes a concern, floodlights could be switched on and the match would continue with a pink ball, provided both teams agree before the start of the game. The rule is expected to come into effect from October 1.

Speaking ahead of India’s one-off Test against Afghanistan in Mullanpur, Gautam Gambhir welcomed the initiative and stressed that preserving the possibility of a result should remain a priority in Test cricket. “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,” Gautam Gambhir said during the pre-match press conference.

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The India coach believes the rule could prove especially valuable in crucial matches where qualification for major tournaments is at stake. His comments come with India set to host Australia in the next Border-Gavaskar Trophy series, with Tests scheduled in Guwahati and Ranchi—venues where poor light has often affected play due to early sunsets during the winter months.

Gambhir pointed out that losing valuable overs because of bad light can have a significant impact on the outcome of a series and even a World Test Championship campaign.

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

With the ICC eager to modernise Test cricket without compromising its traditional essence, the pink-ball contingency rule could become a significant step toward ensuring more completed matches and fewer weather-related frustrations.