The controversy surrounding the Ahmedabad pitch used in the India vs Australia World Cup final has taken a new turn with allegations against India coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma.
A Day of Despair for Indian Cricket Fans
November 19 remains a somber day etched in the annals of Indian cricket history. The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a heart-wrenching defeat as a Rohit Sharma-led Indian side faced a formidable Australian team in the ODI World Cup Final. This defeat shattered the hopes of a billion fans who had been riding high on the team’s ten-match winning streak. For a team aiming to break the ICC title drought since 2013, this final presented a golden opportunity to reclaim glory on the global stage.
The Bitter Reality Unfolds
Optimism soared among Indian supporters when Pat Cummins elected to bowl first, despite Rohit Sharma’s declaration that he would have batted first. However, as the day progressed, it became evident why the Australian captain had opted for an unconventional strategy.
Allegations Surface
In the aftermath of the defeat, questions arose regarding the nature of the pitch in the World Cup final. Former India batter Mohammed Kaif, part of the broadcasting team during the tournament, made startling revelations about Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid’s purported involvement in preparing the pitch for the crucial final encounter.
Suspicions Arise
Kaif disclosed that Rohit and Dravid were seen visiting the pitch on consecutive days leading up to the final, raising suspicions about their intentions. He noted significant changes in the pitch’s appearance over the course of their visits, implying potential tampering.
Kaif’s Account
According to Kaif, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid’s visits to the pitch coincided with noticeable alterations in its characteristics. The pitch, initially exhibiting one color, underwent discernible changes after their interventions, leading to concerns about its suitability for competitive cricket.
Slow Pitch Controversy
Critics argue that the sluggish nature of the pitch played a pivotal role in India’s defeat, especially considering their remarkable performances on more competitive surfaces throughout the World Cup. Former India batter Kaif emphasized the absence of watering and grass on the pitch, resulting in its sluggishness, which favored the Australian bowlers.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Kaif suggested that Australian captain Pat Cummins had learned from their defeat against India in Chennai during the World Cup opener. In that match, Australia batted first but struggled to post a competitive total, allowing India to chase down the target comfortably. Cummins’ decision to bowl first in the final, despite the conventional wisdom favoring batting, reflected a strategic adaptation based on past experiences.
Conclusion
The allegations of pitch manipulation against Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid have sparked controversy in the aftermath of India’s World Cup final loss. While the truth behind these claims remains subject to scrutiny, they have reignited debates about the integrity of pitch preparation in international cricket and its potential impact on match outcomes.
