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Rohit Sharma (Image Source: Twitter)
Rohit Sharma and his men are looking to kick off the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy with a win. India will take on Australia in Nagpur on 9 February 2023. However, before the series opener, the pitch of Nagpur is more in headlines than the players and their preparation. Even, former Australian players and media accused team India of doctoring the pitch.
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A renowned Australian news channel, ‘Fox Cricket’ shared some pictures of the pitch and accused team India of “straight-up pitch doctoring” the Nagpur pitch. Now, on the eve of the series opener, Rohit Sharma opened up about the allegations and came up with a stern reply to the reporters.
“The last series that we played here, a lot was said about the pitches.” - Rohit Sharma
During the pre-match press conference, Rohit Sharma said that everybody needs to focus on cricket, not the pitch. He said: "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 concluded.
Speaking about the reported allegation, only the centre of the Nagpur wicket was watered and rolled while the area where bowlers will target left-handers was left bone dry. It has happened on either end of the pitch. Hence, it has been claimed that this is just a deliberate ploy for team India for all the left-handed batters of Australia. Rohit Sharma also said about the selection headache ahead of the first Test. "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," Rohit Sharma further added.