"If these 28 wickets had fallen in India...": Aakash Chopra goes ballistic in brutal dig at WTC Final pitch

Former Indian batter and cricket pundit Aakash Chopra has taken a fiery dig at the Western media, accusing them of blatant hypocrisy over the green-top pitch used in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s.

Chopra has pointed out that if such a bowling-friendly surface had been prepared in India, the global media would’ve turned ugly and the talks of “pitch doctoring” and “Test cricket being killed” would’ve dominated headlines, especially in Australia and England.

Aakash Chopra slams Western Media for double standards over Lord’s green pitch

But since it happened in England, the pitch is suddenly labeled “sporting,” as mentioned by the commentator. Aakash Chopra has expressed his frustration after the pitch prepared for the WTC Final 2025 is heavily supporting the fast bowler, lacking the balance between the bat and ball.

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Speaking about the actions in the WTC Final 2025, Australians were bundled out for just 212 in their first innings, and then South Africa collapsed for 138 in reply. Just when it seemed like the Kangaroos were regaining control, Proteas' pace attack roared back, reducing the defending champions to 144/8 by stumps on Day 2 at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Interestingly, a staggering 28 wickets fell over the first two days—14 each day in the ongoing summit clash. Fast bowlers dominated the game, exploiting the sloped surface, unpredictable bounce, and constant seam movement. Only one wicket fell to spin across both innings.

Read Also: Huge blow for India: Gautam Gambhir rushes back home from England due to emergency

If this pitch was in India, there’d be uproar: Aakash Chopra on WTC Final 2025 turf

After which, Aakash Chopra didn’t mince words in pointing out the double standards, as he called out the silence of those who would’ve cried foul if such a pitch was prepared in India for a Test match.

Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “A big question I had about this Lord’s Test match was that if these 28 wickets had fallen in India in two days’ play, wouldn’t the western media have created an uproar as to what sort of pitch they play, the ball is turning and bouncing, batting has become very difficult, and how such pitches can be allowed, that India is doctoring pitches and killing Test cricket.”

He further explained, “You would have seen these headlines from The Telegraph to The Sydney Morning Herald, and you would have felt what you have done. However, when it happens in England, it’s called a sporting pitch, and the batters’ defensive technique has gotten spoiled as the ball is not moving that much. If the batters’ defensive technique has gotten spoiled, it’s valid in India as well.”

South Africa eye historic chase as Australia stretch lead past 200 at Lord’s

Well, the Australian team is currently leading by 218 runs in the third innings, with tailenders Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon being on the crease. South Africa will be hoping to take those two remaining wickets quickly on Day 3 to keep their hopes alive of ending their ICC title drought since 1998.

Sharing his thoughts on the match situation, Chopra highlighted Australia’s strong record at Lord’s but said that South Africa has their best chance to script history in the ICC Finals.

Chopra signed off by saying, “Where is the match standing? The lead is more than 200 runs. Australia has never lost a match while defending more than 200 runs in the last innings at Lord’s. However, just because it hasn’t happened before today, it doesn’t mean it cannot happen now.”

Read Also: Shreyas Iyer drops 'backstabbing' bombshell after losing 2 finals as captain within 10 days