Former India batter Ambati Rayudu believes that India were outplayed by Australia in the Cricket World Cup final due to the slow track. Despite their dominance throughout the tournament, India failed to perform in the final match held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. India was bowled out for 240 while batting first, and Australia easily chased down the total. Rayudu expressed his disappointment with the slow and lethargic pitch for a final match.
Rayudu praised the Indian team’s performance and stated that they were stronger than the Australians. However, he felt that they got stuck on a slow wicket, which shouldn’t have happened. According to him, in limited overs games, the toss shouldn’t matter, and the team’s strength and skill should be enough to defeat any side. Rayudu shared his views on BeerBiceps’ YouTube channel.
When asked if the slow pitch was intentionally prepared for the final, Rayudu said he was not sure if it was done on purpose but called it stupidity if it was. He retired from all forms of the game earlier this year after playing 55 ODIs for India, scoring 1694 runs with an average of 47.05. Rayudu also played six T20I matches for India, scoring 42 runs.
Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin laughed off media reports claiming that the pitch for the semifinal against New Zealand was changed at India’s request. He dismissed the claims as laughable and explained that different parts of India have different soils, including Ahmedabad, which has multiple soil varieties in the square. Ashwin praised Pat Cummins’ execution as a fast bowler and commended the Australian team for persisting with Travis Head and supporting him fully.
In conclusion, Rayudu believes that the slow pitch played a significant role in India’s defeat in the Cricket World Cup final against Australia. Ashwin dismissed claims of pitch manipulation and praised Cummins’ performance.
