During the India-New Zealand World Cup 2023 semi-final match at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, the legendary Sunil Gavaskar delivered scathing comments over rumors of last-minute pitch tampering to favour spinners. The great cricket player shot down reports that the BCCI and Mumbai Cricket Association had altered the surface to make it more spin-friendly.
The night before the big game, Sunil Gavaskar defended the integrity of the game by dismissing rumors of a planned alteration to the 22-yard line.
Over 700 runs were scored in an unusual contest that saw pacers dominate the wickets. Shubman Gill and Kane Williamson achieved half-centuries, while Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, and Daryl Mitchell achieved centuries. Afterwards, Indian bowlers produced an exciting display as Mohammed Shami broke a record with seven wickets. The Little Master warned against unjustified criticism and begged critics to stop taking “potshots” at India.
India scored about 400 runs and had a buffer of about 70 to 80 runs. What a fantastic pitch this has been. On this, we’ve scored almost 700 runs. “I hope all those idiots who have been claiming that the pitch is biased in favor of the Indian spinners just shut up and stop taking potshots at India because it helps you to get whatever eyeballs,” remarked Sunil Gavaskar on Star Sports following India’s victory over New Zealand to get to the final.
In accordance with ICC rules, the host organization is responsible for selecting and preparing the field for World Cup competitions. The seventy-four-year-old emphasized that the rules do not require new pitches for elimination games. He emphasized that any potential pitch modifications made prior to the toss would have an equal impact on both opposing teams, ensuring a fair game regardless of changes.
That’s absurd. It was completed prior to the toss, even if it was altered. It was not altered throughout the midst of the inning or following the toss. Play on the pitch like a World Cup squad, and you win. That’s what India did. Thus, please quit discussing the pitch,” he uttered.
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