In a breathtaking semi-final clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai, India showcased its cricketing prowess by securing a compelling victory against New Zealand in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023.
India’s batting performance in this crucial encounter was nothing short of extraordinary. Virat Kohli achieved a remarkable milestone by scoring his 50th ODI hundred, surpassing the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. Adding to the glory, Shreyas Iyer’s outstanding century contribution propelled India to a formidable total of 397 runs, setting the stage for an exhilarating battle.
Undoubtedly, the driving force behind India’s dominant run in the World Cup has been the exemplary leadership of Captain Rohit Sharma. With a perfect ten on ten wins, Sharma’s captaincy has been the bedrock of India’s success in the tournament. His aggressive approach, selfless play, and ability to score quick runs have consistently given India a flying start, alleviating pressure on the middle order.
While India’s batting spectacle set a formidable target, it was the bowlers who sealed the deal. Mohammed Shami’s stellar performance, securing a remarkable 7-wicket haul, showcased the bowling masterclass that has become synonymous with India’s success. Shami’s precision and ability to dismantle the opposition’s batting lineup played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
However, the euphoria of India’s victory was marred by controversy surrounding a last-minute pitch change. The Daily Mail’s report hinted at a switch from pitch number seven, initially designated for the semi-final, to pitch number six – a surface that had already witnessed two World Cup games. The allegation suggested a decision made without consulting ICC’s independent pitch consultant Andy Atkinson, raising questions about fairness.
ICC Basically Does Whatever BCCI Says: Mark Butcher
Commenting on the controversy, former England cricketer Mark Butcher expressed concerns on the Wisden Cricket World Cup Daily podcast. He highlighted a growing perception that the ICC operates as an executive branch of the BCCI. Butcher emphasized the need for transparency, stating, “The issue is the railroading of the protocol around how it came about. And that, gives that perception that things are not as they ought to be, or at least that the playing field is not that level.”
Despite the off-field controversy, it’s crucial to recognize India’s undisputed prowess as the best team in the tournament. The team’s stellar performance and consecutive victories have solidified their claim to the title.
He said: “There is a growing perception that around the world in the game of cricket that the ICC is nearly sort of an executive branch of the BCCI. And when things like this happen, it does very little to change people’s opinion that that is the status quo. Now, to have Andy Atkinson, the ICC pitch inspector, apoplectic at the way the whole thing had gone about, regardless of whether or not the Maharashtra (Mumbai) Cricket Association were actually overall in charge of the conditions, to feel as though the ICC had kind of been blindsided by the decision that they clearly hadn’t been made aware of until the leak came, doesn’t do much to change people’s thought that the ICC basically does whatever the BCCI wants.”
He added: “India are the best team in the tournament, right? And if they win it, they will have deserved to win for that fact. Is there any need whatsoever, for there to be any sort of shenanigans whereby the gloss gets taken off the brilliance of their playing team? By this sort of, this nagging suspicion that the dice are loaded in their favour outside of the playing field as well. Stuff like this shouldn’t happen. And again, the pitch was fine, no issues with how it played. The issue is not how the pitch played. The issue is the railroading of the protocol around how it came about. And that, gives that perception that things are not as they ought to be, or at least that the playing field is not that level.”
