<p>Mohamed Kaif, a former cricket player for India, has claimed that India “doctored” the ODI World Cup final surface in Ahmedabad versus Australia. In addition, he held head coach Rahul Dravid and captain Rohit Sharma accountable for the Men in Blue’s six-wicket loss.</p>
<p><img decoding=”async” class=”alignnone wp-image-520604″ src=”https://www.theindiaprint.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/theindiaprint.com-mohammed-kaif-attributes-the-2023-world-cup-final-defeat-on-rohit-sharma-and-rahul.jpg” alt=”theindiaprint.com mohammed kaif attributes the 2023 world cup final defeat on rohit sharma and rahul” width=”761″ height=”552″ title=”Mohammed Kaif attributes the 2023 World Cup final defeat on Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, saying he "saw the pitch change its colour." 3″></p>
<p>“I spent three days there. For three days leading up to the final, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid examined the pitch each day. Every day for an hour, they stood beside the pitch. I observed the color of the pitch alter. The track was devoid of grass, and the pitch was not being watered. India intended to provide Australia with a more gradual pace. Even if some people may not want to accept it, this is the reality, Kaif said on a broadcast on “The Lallantop.”</p>
<p>India wanted to throw a slow pitch because they felt that Australia had Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, and that was a mistake on our part. It’s a common misconception that curators act independently and have no influence. Just two phrases must be said as you go around the field: “Please don’t add water, just reduce the grass.” This takes place. That is the reality. And it ought to be carried out. You’re at home playing. And we went a little too far with that,” he said.</p>
<p>After winning ten straight games, India advanced to the 2023 ODI World Cup final undefeated.</p>
<p>In the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19, 2023, most of India’s hitters performed horribly, as they were removed for 240 after being allowed to bat first.</p>
<p>With seven overs remaining, Travis Head (137) and Marnus Labuschagne (58 not out) assisted Australia in reaching the goal and winning a record-tying sixth championship.</p>
<p>For the record, Andy Atinkson, the ICC’s pitch expert, had left the ODI World Cup shortly before the championship match, allegedly because of disagreements with the BCCI on the format of the pitch for the summit match.</p>
Mohammed Kaif attributes the 2023 World Cup final defeat on Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, saying he “saw the pitch change its colour.”
