Ambati Rayudu believes that India was outplayed by Australia on a "slow track" in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, despite their dominance throughout the tournament on home soil.
The Rohit Sharma-led Indian cricket team won 10 matches in row before Australia dashed their hopes of securing a third ODI World Cup title with a 6-wicket win in the CWC 2023 final last week.
After being asked to bat first at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Team India was bowled out for just 240, and then Australia comfortably chased down the target with ease despite early setbacks to clinch their record 6th title on November 19.
Reacting to the Men in Blue’s heartbreaking loss, Rayudu said that the pitch was "slow and lethargic" in the final between India and Australia in Ahmedabad. He feels the result could have been different if the pitch was not slow for the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
Ambati Rayudu said on BeerBiceps' YouTube channel: “We should be proud of the team. The way they played was tremendous. Somehow, I feel the wicket was slow and lethargic for a final. We were way stronger than the Australians. Unfortunately, we got stuck on a wicket that was so slow.”
He further added, “I don't think that should've happened. We have the strength and skill to beat any side. In limited overs game, toss shouldn't matter. That is the ideal scenario.”
On being asked if a slow pitch was prepared for the 2023 World Cup final, Rayudu said that if the hosts did it intentionally, then it was stupidity as it snatched away the crown from India.
Rayudu signed off by saying, “I don't know if anyone has thought about it or done it on purpose. If they have done it on purpose, it's stupidity. But I don't think they did that on purpose.”
