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'Slightly Better Pitch Would've...': Harbhajan Singh On India's Shameful World Cup Loss

image-lp7zmsnnAustralia floored India on the night of World Cup Final (AP Photo)

The debate about the pitch at Ahmedabad for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 between India and Australia refuses to lay down. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has criticised the track used for the marquee clash, where Australia beat red-hot favourites India by six wickets to lift their record-extending sixth World Cup.

The pitch displayed duality, during India's batting, the surface was too dry, became abrasive, and helped in reverse swing, whereas during Australia's chase, with dew around, the track became quicker and easier to bat on. As a result, opener Travis Head took the opportunity in both his hands and pulled his side out off 47/3 with a marvellous 137.

Several former players have stated that the plan to play on a dry track backfired on Team India, who looked unstoppable, winning 10 matches on the trot. 

As quoted by India Today, the 2011 World Cup winner explained that a 'slightly better' track would have suited the Indian batters better.


Here's what Harbhajan Singh said:

"I think it was the kind of pitch which was on the slower side. It was drier than the usual pitch. You know, I would have liked to see a pitch where a lot of scores like 300 plus been scored. That sort of pitch would have India more than this kind of pitch where, you know, you bring your opposition in the game."


"You know where your batters were in such great form. They looked really good throughout the tournament, and they were fantastic and very, very proud of them. The way they play their cricket. I think, a slightly better pitch would help them to perform better than what happened."

Harbhajan further opined that a better track could have seen a different result, where India could have outplayed Australia, and lifted their third World Cup.