Vikram Rathour denies ‘doctored pitch’ allegations in ODI World Cup 2023 final (2024)

Former India head coach Vikram Rathour has denied the allegations of using a doctored pitch for the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. Notably, the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad came into question after India’s shocking loss in the final of the tournament.

The Rohit Sharma-led side came into the tournament unbeaten on a ten-match winning streak. Batting first, the Men in Blue were bundled out for 240 in 50 overs. In reply, Australia comfortably chased down the target in 43 overs with Travis Head smashing a breathtaking 137 off 120 balls. As a result, Australia won the match by six wickets and were crowned ODI World Cup champions for a record sixth time.

Following India’s shocking exit, there was widespread criticism of the pitch used for the final with fans bashing captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid to opt for a slow surface. Vikram Rathour has finally opened up on the allegations of using a doctored pitch and said that the team management thought that the surface will get slower as the game will progress but it ended up getting better to bat.

That day, Australia were luckier than us: Vikram Rathour

“I’ve heard this story that the pitch was different, which I don’t agree with at all. In the final, the pitch improved as the game progressed; we expected it to get slower, which it didn’t, so why did that happen? Yes, we could have scored more runs. There are so many ifs and buts, but one thing is sure: you need a little luck to win a tournament. And that day, Australia were luckier than us. They played better cricket than us. And that’s the reason they won,” Rathour told Sportstar.

Earlier, another controversy arose just ahead of first semi-final where India were supposed to face New Zealand. According to reports, the hosts opted to change the pitch for the big game,and the ICC met their demand. However, the surface provided a great game where both teams scored in excess of 300 as India emerged victorious by 70 runs.

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Vikram Rathour denies ‘doctored pitch’ allegations in ODI World Cup 2023 final

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Former India batting coach Vikram Rathour has denied all allegations regarding the use of a doctored pitch in the ODI World Cup 2023 final in Ahmedabad.

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