 |
| Team India vs Aus |
Key Points:
· India performed exceptionally well in the 2023 ODI World Cup.
· Allegations arose regarding pitch tampering after India's defeat in the final.
· Former batting coach Vikram Rathour has denied these allegations.
Details:
In the 2023 ODI World Cup, the Indian team showcased a stellar performance under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, winning 10 consecutive matches in the group stage. However, they faced a crushing defeat against Australia in the final. Post-match, there were allegations of pitch tampering, which former batting coach Vikram Rathour has recently addressed.
The Final Match:
The final match of the 2023 ODI World Cup was held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India, batting first, was bowled out for 240 runs in 50 overs. In response, Australia, thanks to Travis Head’s explosive 137 runs off 120 balls, chased down the target in 43 overs, winning by six wickets and claiming the title.
Pitch Controversy:
After India’s loss, the pitch used for the final received global criticism. Vikram Rathour has now spoken openly about these allegations, denying any tampering. He explained that the team management expected the pitch to slow down as the game progressed, but instead, it became better for batting.
Rathour’s Statement:
Rathour stated, "I’ve heard the story that the pitch was different, which I completely disagree with. In the final, as the game progressed, the pitch improved. We expected it to slow down, which it didn’t. So why did that happen? Yes, we could have scored more runs. There are a lot of ifs and buts, but one thing is certain: to win a tournament, you need a bit of luck, and on that day, Australia was luckier than us. They played better cricket, and that’s why they won."
