In what was a stirring journey for the Indian cricket team, the culmination in the final of the Cricket World Cup seemed anticlimactic as they faced a defeat on home soil. Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu, known for his forthright views, has expressed his sentiments about the pitch used during the final clash with Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Despite boasting a strong campaign throughout the tournament, India’s aspirations for a third ODI World Cup triumph were dashed last week. After batting first, the Indian team was restricted to 240 runs, a total that Australia overhauled with relative ease even after a shaky start.
“The team’s performance was exceptional up till that point. But the pitch for the final really caught my eye—it was uncharacteristically slow and sluggish,” stated Rayudu on BeerBiceps’ YouTube channel. Reflecting on the match, he noted, “Our squad had a much stronger lineup compared to the Australians. It was unfortunate that we were hampered by a wicket so detrimental to our playstyle. Ideally, in limited overs cricket, factors like the toss shouldn’t be decisive.”
Speculation regarding the deliberate preparation of a slow pitch for the final was addressed by Rayudu, who replied: “If someone did manipulate the pitch conditions intentionally, it would be sheer folly. However, I believe that wasn’t the case.”
Earlier this year, Rayudu announced his retirement from all forms of cricket. During his career, he played an impressive 55 ODIs for India, amassing 1694 runs at an average of 47.05. He is remembered for his unbeaten knock of 124 runs among his three centuries and ten half-centuries in the ODI format. His T20I career, though shorter, saw him score 42 runs across six matches.
Regarding the controversy on pitch conditions, ace Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin brushed aside all allegations with a facile disdain. Reports emerged during India’s World Cup semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, claiming that the host nation had altered the pitch. “Such claims are simply preposterous. With India’s varied geology, soil diversity is a given,” Ashwin retorted.
He further elaborated on the diversity at Ahmedabad, which boasts more than three or four types of soils within the pitch square. “The comments made by foreign journalists on this are laughable. Moreover, Pat Cummins’ performance and approach to the final are deserving of high praise,” Ashwin added.
Sharing his observations on Cummins’ splendid spell, he expressed that it was unusual for him to see a fast bowler bowl to a field often set for an off-spinner. “Leading up to the finale, cutters dominated nearly half of all deliveries. But in that decisive match, Cummins’ setup resembled an off-spinner’s field. He delivered only a handful of balls at the six-meter mark towards the stumps throughout his ten-over period—this was strategic brilliance,” credited Ashwin.
The Indian spinner also applauded the Australian camp for their strategic steadfastness, especially in the case of Travis Head, whom they backed thoroughly.
This discussion, along with the news of the Cricket World Cup and updates for the next edition, is making rounds in the cricket community. Fans and enthusiasts are encouraged to follow the live updates and check out the upcoming World Cup schedules. Social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are abuzz with the latest developments, while the dedicated cricket apps offer on-the-go insights for the ardent followers of the sport.