"If They Did It On Purpose, It's Stupidity": Ambati Rayudu Criticizes 'Lethargic' CWC Final Pitch
Published - 25 Nov 2023, 05:17 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:23 AM
Ambati Rayudu criticized the pitch used in the ICC World Cup 2023 final match between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Ambati Rayudu described the surface as slow and lethargic, saying that it was not suitable for the summit match.
India posted a total of 240 runs after being asked to bat first in the final clash. The Indian batters faced difficulties in the middle overs, losing wickets at crucial moments. The pitch improved for batting in the second innings, allowing Australia to chase down the target.
Very, Very Slow And Lethargic For Final – Ambati Rayudu
Speaking on The Ranveer Show in a YouTube podcast, Ambati Rayudu questioned the idea of preparing a slow pitch, stating that India has the skill and strength to beat any side on a good cricketing wicket.
“Even the wicket was very, very slow and lethargic for a final. I don’t know whose idea it was. I think even a normal surface would have done because we were way stronger than the Australian side. We didn’t have to do all that in the final. It was just supposed to be a good cricketing wicket, which, unfortunately, it wasn’t,” Rayudu said.
It Should Be A Good Cricketing Wicket – Ambati Rayudu
The 38-year-old emphasized that the pitch should exhibit consistent behavior throughout the game. Rayudu suggested that slow pitches should not favor any side. He questioned whether the pitch preparation was intentional, calling it “stupidity” if done on purpose.
“Somehow, people think that they are helping the Indian side by preparing a wicket like that. We got stuck on a wicket that was so slow. I don’t think that should happen. It should be a good cricketing wicket. We have the skill and strength in our side to beat any side. The pitch remaining the same throughout 100 overs is an ideal scenario in a limited-overs game. The toss shouldn’t matter that much,” Rayudu added.
“I don’t know if somebody has thought about it or done it on purpose. If they had done it on purpose, it’s stupidity. But I don’t think they would have done it.”
