Ambati Rayudu provided a direct assessment of India’s World Cup loss to Australia.
India’s 2023 World Cup campaign came to a halt in Ahmedabad when they lost to Australia by six wickets in the championship match. As the only undefeated team in the competition, the hosts were predicted to win easily against their fierce rivals, but the Australians turned the tables in the championship match to claim a historic victory
The slow pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium, which hindered Rohit Sharma and company in the championship, shocked the crowd. Australia, needing 241 runs, reached the target in 43 overs thanks to centuries from Travis Head (137) and Marnus Labuschagne (58*), who was undefeated at half-century. Jasprit Bumrah claimed two wickets in an otherwise disappointing performance for Indian bowlers, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj each claimed a wicket.
India’s initial batting performance was below average as they were bowled out for 240 in 50 overs, which was a significant departure from their typical tournament batting form. KL Rahul led the home team in scoring with a patient 66 runs off 107 balls. The wicketkeeper-batter, lacking an efficient partner, was left to play such a slow knock after Virat Kohli was dismissed. In the meantime, Rohit (47), who was just short of a fifty, and Kohli (54) both scored half-centuries.
With Mitchell Starc taking three wickets in the final, the Australian bowlers were at their most lethal. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, each claimed two wickets.
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu attributed the World Cup final to the sluggish pitch, which was created in Ahmedabad. He said, “Even the wicket was very, very slow and lethargic for a final,” on BeerBiceps’ YouTube channel. Whose idea it was, I cannot say. Given that we outmatched the Australian side in strength, I believe that even a standard surface would have sufficed. In the end, none of that was necessary. Regretfully, it wasn’t what was intended to be a good cricket wicket.”
In addition to finding it difficult to get bat in the middle overs, India lost wickets during critical stretches, which affected their performance in the last overs. As the visitors easily reached the target, the pitch improved for batting in the run chase.
“Somehow, people think that they are helping the Indian side by preparing a wicket like that. We got stuck on a wicket that was so slow. I don’t think that should happen. It should be a good cricketing wicket. We have the skill and strength in our side to beat any side. The pitch remaining the same throughout 100 overs is an ideal scenario in a limited-overs game. The toss shouldn’t matter that much,” said the former CSK player.
“I don’t know if somebody has thought about it or done it on purpose. If they had done it on purpose, it’s stupidity. But I don’t think they would have done it,” he further added.
India had cause for celebration despite the loss, as Kohli was named the tournament’s Player of the Tournament. Along with being the highest scorer, the veteran amassed 765 runs in 11 games, including three tons and seven half-centuries. With 24 wickets in seven games, Mohammed Shami emerged as the highest wicket-taker.
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