India captain Rohit Sharma responded strongly to Australian media’s bizarre uproar over the Nagpur pitch for the first Test.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 8, 2023 13:53 IST
Rohit Sharma shuts down Australian media’s bizarre talks about Nagpur wicket with classic reply (PTI)
By India Today Web Desk: India captain Rohit Sharma on Wednesday shut down the Australian media’s bizarre talks about the Nagpur pitch in his uber-cool style ahead of the first Test. Rohit, speaking to journalists in Nagpur on the eve of the first Test, said that the focus needs to be on the match and not the pitch
as 22 quality cricketers from the two countries will compete in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
With the high-octane Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2022-23 starting in less than a day, the Australian media have created an uproar over the Nagpur pitch for the first Test against India. According to several media reports, only the center of the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium (VCA) wicket was watered and rolled, while the area where bowlers would target left-handers was left brazenly dry.
“Itna pitch maat dekho, cricket khelo. After all, the 22 guys out there are all quality players,” Rohit Sharma said when asked about the Australian media talking about doctored pitches.
When asked about the Nagpur track, Rohit said that the surface would benefit spinners. As a result, he emphasised the significance of rotating strike.
“It is important to have a plan and figure a way. Everyone has a different method. Some like to sweep some reverse some hitting over the bowler. You need to rotate strike and sometimes you need to counterattack.
Speaking of the highly anticipated series, Rohit admitted that defeating Australia in the four-match Test assignment would be difficult, but India had done everything possible to prepare for a successful outcome.
“We have four solid test matches to play in the BGT and we would want to win the series. It is going to be a challenging series and we have to be up for it. Preparation is the key. If you prepare well, you get results.”
On selection headaches, he said, “It is tough. The guys are in good form, pushing for a spot and doing really well, and it is tough to leave some out. We will take brave calls.”
