IND vs PAK, T20 World Cup Showdown: Captain Rohit Sharma Speaks Out On Drop-In Pitches Ahead of the High-Stakes Match

The upcoming T20 World Cup 2024 clash between India and Pakistan in New York heats up over pitch debates as India's captain raises concerns.
Captain Rohit Sharma shares his insights on the challenges of drop-in pitches (@PTI)

Source: aajtak

It's a clash of the titans as India face Pakistan on the field this Sunday, June 9, during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024. The showdown is set to take place at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, starting at 8 pm IST. Prior to the match, a storm brews over the Nassau stadium's drop-in pitches.

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma reignites the debate over the unpredictable nature of drop-in pitches. During a press conference, he highlighted the curator's uncertainty regarding the pitch's behavior. Sharma also praised wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant and made a strategic analysis of the Pakistani team.

We can't take Pakistan lightly: Rohit

“No matter the pitch conditions, someone must rise to the challenge against top bowlers. That's why we're fielding eight batsmen, ready to face the best Pakistan has to offer. Despite their loss to Zimbabwe in the previous World Cup, Pakistan made it to the finals – they're not to be underestimated. In this format, there's no room for error. I'm certain Pakistan has analyzed their past mistakes and will learn from them. It's not necessarily the case that a loss in the last game predicts the next,” Rohit explained.

He continued, “We've spent some time here in New York, but it's not our home ground. We can't predict the pitch – conditions don't favor either team. Even the curators are left guessing. It emphasizes that you should focus on the next ball. Imagine our confusion, coming from a country not used to drop-in pitches. But we've planned accordingly and will see how the pitch plays out on the match day. The outfield seems slow as well,” Rohit conjectured.

'The vast outfield demands wise play: Rohit'

Sharma elaborated, “Living in the present is crucial for a captain. I want to concentrate on each over, which is vital because a game can be won or lost in a single over. After watching Pant in the first half of the IPL, I knew he was set for the third slot. We wanted him to play openly – his strengths are clear after observing him over the last 5-6 years. I aim for a balanced game – neither too aggressive nor defensive. With the vast outfield, players have the opportunity to push the ball into gaps intelligently,” he described.

Rohit asserts, “We're facing the unknown, but it's our job to manage and play. There's a strong sense of confidence within the team. Skills may lag, but body language remains under our control. You can't relax on any level. Any team can defeat another – that's T20 cricket for you. How you start the game is what really matters. Even if you're not batting well, you can make a difference with a good catch or a run-out,” he added.

India-Ireland Match Also In Limelight Over Pitch

The pitch was also the talk of the India-Ireland match, where Indian pacers Mohammed Siraj, Arshdeep Singh, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah received unexpected bounces. Some balls bounced so high that wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant struggled to collect them properly, and some deflected off the Irish batsmen's gloves. Bumrah's one delivery even ricocheted off Harry Tector's gloves onto his helmet before reaching a fielder. The Indian batsmen faced similar issues as the Irish bowlers also exploited the uneven bounce, affecting Rohit Sharma and Pant. Rohit even retired hurt after scoring a fifty.

What are Drop-In Pitches?

Drop-in pitches are constructed at a location away from the venue and later transported and laid down in the stadium using trucks, cranes, or other methods. They are created under the guidance of the Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions, led by Adelaide Oval's head curator Damian Hough. Adelaide Oval Turf Solutions’ team will stay in New York throughout the World Cup to assist with pitch maintenance.

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