Following Team India's victory over Ireland by 8 wickets in their opening T20 World Cup 2024 match, but the big talking point post-game was about the state of the pitch at the Nassau County International Stadium in New York.
Indian captain Rohit Sharma had to retire out as he received multiple blows on his body due to the uneven bounce and unpredictable behaviour of the NY wicket.
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Following the game, Rohit talked about the pitch and in particular, on the big game against Pakistan at the same ground later this weekend.
What did Rohit Sharma say about the New York pitch for India vs Pakistan match?
"I don't know what to expect from the [New York] pitch. That's why we decided to bowl, to see how the pitch plays out," Rohit said in the post-match interaction.
The India captain walked out of the field retired hurt after scoring a fifty but his injury scare will be a concern for Team India before their big game against Pakistan, on June 9.
The poor condition of the pitch at New York during the Ireland match led to multiple reactions from experts
Indian commentator Harsha Bhogle was not happy with the surface and wondered how it would play out during the blockbuster Inida-Pakistan match:
Have to do something about the pitches. Can't imagine India vs Pakistan on this one.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 5, 2024
Former England captain Michael Vaughan shared his irritation about the surface saying that these pitches are sub-standard and that the players deserve better quality at the world stage.
Trying to sell the game in the states is great .. love it .. but for players to have to play on this sub standard surface in New York is unacceptable .. You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this .. #INDvIRE
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 5, 2024
What happened in India vs Ireland match at T20 World Cup?
Team India bowlers bundled out Ireland for just 97 runs, on a tricky surface for the batters. Hardik Pandya (3/27 in 4 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (2/6 in 3 overs) were the stars with the ball, who also bowled a maiden each in the match.
Skipper Rohit Sharma (52 off 37) and Rishabh Pant (36* off 26) then guided the team past the finish line in a successful chase in the second innings.
After a few days of rest, the team will be back on the field at Nassau County Stadium, New York to take on arch-rivals Pakistan on June 9.
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