The ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 has witnessed a surprising twist as the pitch controversy takes center stage in the semifinal clash between India and New Zealand at the Wankhede Stadium. Legendary cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has added his voice to the discussion, expressing his astonishment over the uproar regarding the pitch conditions.
Hours before the crucial semifinal, a report from the Daily Mail alleged that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made a last-minute decision to switch from a fresh pitch to a used one, purportedly to favor the Indian team. The report triggered a wave of reactions from the cricketing world, with former players like Michael Vaughan and Mitchell McClenaghan sharing their opinions.
According to the Daily Mail, the BCCI’s decision to opt for a used pitch raised eyebrows, especially as the ICC and the Indian board had initially agreed on a fresh pitch for the match. The controversy centers around the belief that the BCCI aimed to provide favorable conditions for the Indian spinners. This move has sparked debates and discussions among fans and experts alike.
The pitch controversy has become a hot topic in the cricketing fraternity, with former cricketers and pundits offering diverse opinions on social media platforms. Michael Vaughan and Mitchell McClenaghan were quick to express their thoughts, setting the stage for a broader discourse on the impact of pitch conditions on the game.
Amidst the controversy, Sunil Gavaskar, the former India opener, has shared his views, expressing surprise at the intense focus on the pitch. Gavaskar downplayed the significance of the pitch switch, highlighting that the Wankhede pitch is expected to be on the drier side, regardless of whether it’s fresh or used.
“The pitch is there for all the teams, so I don’t think there should be too much discussion on what this pitch will do or not do. I do believe that this Indian team is perfectly capable of handling any kind of surface. Have seen that in the tournament so far,” Sunil Gavaskar told India Today.
In an interview with India Today, Gavaskar discussed the anticipated characteristics of the Wankhede pitch. He emphasized that, given the absence of rain, the pitch is likely to be dry with minimal moisture. While acknowledging the possibility of some spin, he stressed that the Mumbai pitch generally favors batting.
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Sunil added, “And if it’s a drier pitch, which is likely to be the case simply because the rains have gone. So, there is no hint of any moisture.”
Gavaskar expressed his confidence in the Indian team’s ability to adapt to any surface. Drawing on their performances in the tournament, he highlighted the team’s proficiency in handling diverse pitches. He reiterated that the pitch, whether drier or with a hint of spin, shouldn’t pose a significant challenge.
“Yes, there might just be a little bit of spin, no question about it. But the Mumbai pitch is generally very good for batting, so I don’t think there should be too much of an issue. With the kind of bowling that we have, bowlers who have bowled superbly, whether they are bowling first or second, I don’t think the pitch would be too much of an issue at all,” he concluded.
The cricket legend also praised India’s bowling unit, emphasizing their superb performances throughout the tournament. He dismissed concerns about the pitch affecting their gameplay, stating that the quality of India’s bowlers makes them adaptable to various conditions, ensuring a competitive edge in the semifinal.
