Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stirred controversy by accusing skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid of meddling with the World Cup 2023 final pitch. His allegations have raised questions about the integrity of pitch preparation and its influence on match outcomes.

Mohammad Kaif’s Allegations

Kaif, who was present at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the final, claimed to have witnessed changes in the pitch over three days. He asserted that the Indian team management, including Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, intervened to manipulate the pitch conditions to favor slow bowling.

Kaif’s Statements and Criticism

In an interview with The Lallantop, Kaif expressed disappointment over the pitch manipulation tactics employed by the Indian team management. He criticized the decision to alter the pitch excessively, attributing it to India’s defeat in the final.

Kaif said, “Emotions the. 2003 mein inse (Australia) hum haare the. Main waha 3 din tha. Rohit Sharma shaam ko aaye, Dravid dono shaam ko aaye. Pitch pe gaye, ghume kaisi pitch hai. Ye 3 din lagatar hua hai aur maine pitch ka rang badalte hue dekha hai. Cummins hai Starc hai, inke pass tezz gendbaazi hai, toh inko naa slow pitch do aur waha galti hui. 100%. Chahe log kitna bhi bole ki curator apna kaam karta hai, hum kuch nahi bolte, bakwaas hai. (Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma arrived in the evening to examine the field. They stood behind the pitch every hour for three days, and I witnessed the pitch turn a different color. Give them slow pitches because they have fast bowlers like Starc and Cummins. And that’s where they went wrong. People saying that the curator makes the pitch and no one has a say is just rubbish. This is the truth, even if people don’t want to believe it).

Host Country’s Influence on Pitch Preparation

Kaif acknowledged the host country’s prerogative to dictate pitch conditions but cautioned against excessive interference. While conceding that such practices are commonplace in cricket, Kaif emphasized balance and fair play in pitch preparation.

Kaif said, “You have to express just two sentences when you are moving across the field. Please don’t add water; just cut down on the grass. That is reality. And it should to be carried out. You’re at home playing. And we overindulged in it.”

Impact on the World Cup Final

The pitch alterations purportedly backfired on India as Australia emerged victorious in the final, chasing down a target of 240 runs. Despite early success, the Indian bowlers struggled to contain Travis Head, who played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph.

Australia’s Victory and Indian Strategy

Despite India’s efforts to tailor the pitch to their advantage, Australia’s bowlers, particularly Pat Cummins, demonstrated resilience and adaptability. Cummins’ decision to bowl first in a final, despite conventional wisdom favoring batting first, proved instrumental in securing Australia’s victory.