'They just want controversy' - Virender Sehwag's no-nonsense take on 'Inzamam-ul-Haq's ball-tampering' question to Rohit Sharma

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has reacted strongly to the reporter's question in which he asked Rohit Sharma about the ball-tampering claims which were made by Inzamam-ul-Haq.

On the eve of India's semi-final match against England, a reporter asked Indian captain Rohit Sharma about the allegations by the former Pakistan captain. Rohit replied in his typical manner by saying that it was happening for all the teams and not just India.

"You are playing in such hot sun, the wicket is so dry, the ball reverses automatically. It's happening for all the teams, not only ours. All the teams are reverse-swinging," Rohit replied to the reporter.

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Virender Sehwag blasts reporters for asking Rohit Sharma about match-fixing allegations

Virender Sehwag was visibly unhappy with the reporter's question and blasted him for trying to create controversy out of nothing. During a discussion on Cricbuzz, Sehwag stated that the reporters don't have their own questions and are just asking for answers on someone's quote.

"I have a problem with this incident. If someone has given a statement, then it's not the duty of the reporters to quote the statement and ask, 'What's your opinion'. This is totally wrong on behalf of the reporters. This clearly means that the reporters don't have their own questions and they are just asking for answers on someone's quote," Sehwag said.

Sehwag also went on to add that he wouldn't have replied if he was in Rohit Sharma's place.

"Basically, they just want some controversy. If I was there (in Rohit Sharma's place), I wouldn't even have answered at all," the former India batter added.

Inzamam-ul-Haq had alleged Indian team of ball tampering

Earlier, former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq created controversy after accusing the Indian team of ball-tampering during the Super 8 match against Australia. Arshdeep's ball was reverse-swinging in the 15th over of the match which prompted Inzamam to say that Indian players must have done something to make the ball reverse.

"If Pakistan bowlers did this, there would have been hue and cry. We know how to reverse it really well. If Arshdeep can reverse it in the 15th, there's been some serious work done on the ball," the former Pakistan skipper had said on a local news channel.

India beat Australia, remain unbeaten

India won the match against Australia rather comfortably in the end. After being put into bat, Rohit Sharma led the team from the front by smashing 92 off just 41 balls, which included 7 fours and 8 sixes. Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya also chipped in with useful cameos in the middle and lower order.

In the bowling department, Arshdeep Singh continued his wicket-taking run in the tournament by picking up 3-37 in four overs while bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah picked up the important wicket of Travis Head. Left-arm wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav also bowled well in the middle overs and finished with 2-24. India went on to win the match by 24 runs and Rohit Sharma was adjudged Player of the Match.