• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

The second Test between India and South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town became the shortest-ever contested red-ball game with a result in the history of the game, despite that there was no furore from cricket pundits and experts on the condition of the track which was not suitable for the five-day Test match.

India won the match by thumping seven-wicket to level the series 1-1 inside five sessions in less than two days as 23 wickets fell on the opening day. Both teams got all out on the first day of the match and in fact, South Africa lost three wickets in the second innings too.

India skipper Rohit Sharma criticised the International Cricket Council (ICC) for having double standards in rating pitches and showing bias against India. The opener said match ICC referees should act neutral while rating pitches to keep things fair for every team.

ALSO READ: India Unfairly Criticised For Pitches Says Captain Rohit Sharma

"I think it's important that we stay neutral everywhere we go. Especially the match referees. You know, some of these match referees need to keep their eye on how they rate pitches. It's quite important," Rohit said after the match.

"I still can't believe that the World Cup final pitch was rated below average [it was rated average]. A batsman got a hundred there in the final. How can that be a poor pitch? So these are the things the ICC, the match referees, they need to look into and start rating pitches based on what they see, not based on the countries. I think that's quite important.

ALSO READ | WTC Points Table 2023-25: India Attain Top Spot With Thumping Win Over South Africa In Cape Town

"So I hope they keep their ears open, they keep their eyes open and look into those aspects of the game. Honestly, I'm all for pitches like this. We want to challenge playing on pitches like this. We pride ourselves playing on pitches like this. Uh, but all I want to say is be neutral," he added.

Rohit further added India have no problem in playing on pitches like in Cape Town but criticised people who talk shit about Indian pitches because of their turning nature.

"I mean, we saw what happened in this match, how the pitch played and stuff like that. I honestly don't mind playing on pitches like this. As long as everyone keeps their mouth shut in India and don't talk too much about Indian pitches, honestly," Rohit said

"Because you come here [in Test cricket] to challenge yourself. Yes, it is dangerous. It is challenging. So, and when people come to India, it is again pretty challenging as well. Look, when you are here to play Test cricket, we talk about Test cricket, the ultimate prize, Test cricket being the pinnacle and stuff like that. I think it's important that we also stand by it," he added.