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Ravichandran Ashwin was on Thursday censured by Gautam Gambhir for criticizing the wicket at the Wankhede stadium, the venue of the third and final Test between India and the West Indies.
The young spinner had expressed disappointment over the nature of the wicket after the visitors batted for two full days, and the Indian bowlers unable to make an impact.
'You can't expect the wicket to turn on the first day of a Test match, but I was definitely expecting some bounce. So I felt cheated on that regard,' Ashwin had said, after the second day's play, criticizing the wicket, which he felt resembled one that is used in domestic cricket.
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The third day's play though witnessed the 26-year-old complete a five-wicket haul (5-156) -- his second in three Tests following his six for 47 at Kotla -- and end the West Indies' innings at 590.
India ended the day comfortably-placed on 281 for 3.
"There's nothing to be heartbroken about," said Gambhir, berating his younger teammate.
"A bowler needs to bowl on every kind of wicket. A batsman never says he is heartbroken if it is a green top. They simply play on any wicket," he added.
Gambhir, who scored 55 and shared vital partnerships with Virender Sehwag (67 for the first wicket) and Rahul Dravid (71 for the second), said bowling in any condition is part of a learning experience for the spinner.
"There will be many occasions where he will have to bowl on wickets that are more flat than this one," explained the opener, adding, "So there is no need to feel cheated.
"It is a great challenge and everyone should try to accept it and get the best out of the same.
"That's what Test cricket is all about. You don't get a five-wicket haul or a hundred easily. You need to work hard for it."
Having said that the ace opener expressed confidence in Ashwin's abilities.
"He has taken two five-wicket hauls in this series and has a great future ahead," he declared.