The first match of the four-match Test series between India and Australia is set to be played on Thursday, February 9 in Nagpur. Ahead of the first Test, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma shut down all former Australian cricketers and experts’ controversial talks about the Nagpur pitch.
The Indian skipper will be back in action after missing out on the T20I series against New Zealand in January. Speaking to the journalists in the pre-match press conference, Rohit said that people should focus on cricket and not worry too much about the pitch. He said it is important to figure out something to play in such spinning conditions. However, he was also trolled by many fans due to his statements.
“Speaking about doctored pitches, I just feel like, focus on the cricket that is going to be played in the next five days and not worry too much about the pitch. The last series that we played here, a lot was said about the pitches. After all, the 22 guys out there are all quality players. So don’t worry about what the pitches are going to be like, how much will it turn, how much will it seam. Just come out and play good cricket, win the game as simple as that,” Rohit said on Wednesday.
“It is important to have a plan and figure out a way. Everyone has a different method. Some like to sweep, some reverse, some hitting over the bowler’s head. You need to rotate the strike and sometimes you need to counterattack. The captains would obviously try different things and change fields and bowlers. So you need to plan and play accordingly,” Rohit added.
Different pitches would need different skillset: Rohit Sharma
Rohit also talked about how selecting the playing XI is going to be tough for him. However, he said that it’s a good headache because all players are in good form. He said that they will pick the players according to the conditions.
“It is tough. The guys are in good form, pushing for a spot and doing really well, and it is tough to leave some out.”
“But it is a good sign overall that all the guys are performing well and in with a chance for selection. But we will see the conditions and pick teams accordingly. Different pitches would need different skillset. The message is clear, we would take horses for courses and all options are open,” said the India captain.
Here’s how the fans reacted:
Don't look at the pitch, look at Vadapav
— Cricketbugs (@Cricketbugs0) February 8, 2023
Spitting facts👍
— vhrr (@vhrr16572668) February 8, 2023
Better focus on your fitness pigman
— Ashwani Pratap Singh (@Ashwani45singh) February 8, 2023
Rohit Sharma said, "don't look at the food too much, just eat it (smiles)"
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddaI_vohre) February 8, 2023
Seedhi baat no bakwas
— Anas khan (@KhanMizan16) February 8, 2023
— Save water drink 🍻 (@dukhcasm) February 8, 2023
Bc pitch pe hi toh cricket kheltey hain, rohit kuch bhi bolta ha
— VJ (@Brown_muunda) February 8, 2023
Eat vada pav and enjoy pepsi
— Jordan (@Jordan_udaipur) February 8, 2023
Rohit : Waise bhi mujhe ghanta farak padta hain… Koi bhi pitch hooo mujshe jyada expectation mant rakho 🤣🤣🤣
— Colt (@Colt26787607) February 8, 2023
