Team India have been a phenomenal force to be reckoned with in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023 tournament under the tutelage of Rohit Sharma. The Men in Blue well and truly extended their winning streak to nine straight wins in the group stage of this tournament, which is also their longest unbeaten run in a single edition of the World Cup.
Moreover, when Team India bundled out opposition like Sri Lanka, England and South Africa for cheap scores, there were widespread speculations about India’s governing body, BCCI using a different ball for India’s bowling and there were talks about pitches as well. Now, recently, a claim has been made against BCCI about switching pitches, which became the major talking point on social media.
BCCI responds to the allegations made against them
For the record, pitch No.7 was initially designated to be used for the semi-final clash. Now, BCCI has come under fire after recent claims stating that the initially selected semi-final pitch was altered before the marquee clash. As a result of a sudden change of pitch before the big clash, the BCCI received criticism.
“The ICC independent pitch consultant works with the host and venues on their proposed pitch allocations and this process is ongoing throughout an event of this length and nature,” an associated person with the BCCI said as quoted by The Daily Mail.
Nevertheless, the BCCI responded to the allegations by clarifying that the pitches are being produced under the supervision of the International Cricket Council before adding that there is no rule that says that the knockouts should be played on new surfaces and the BCCI’s latest statement clarified the doubts of many.
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Currently, Team India is locking horns with New Zealand in the first semi-final fixture at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Rohit Sharma won the toss and opted to bat first. The Indian cricket team posted a humongous total of 397/4 in their quota of 50 overs, courtesy of scintillating knocks from Virat Kohli (117 off 113), Shreyas Iyer (105 off 70) and Shubman Gill (80* off 66).