The pitch used during the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 final between India and Australia at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad continues to be a topic of discussion, as International Cricket Council (ICC) released its official rating.According to the report, the ICC has rated the pitch as average. The decision was taken by match referee Andy Pycroft. This rating comes after much debate and controversy surrounding the pitch, particularly its performance during the highly anticipated final.ICC has given an average rating for 5 pitches involving India matches during the World Cup. [TOI]- India vs Australia final- India vs South Africa- India vs England- India vs Pakistan- India vs Australia pic.twitter.com/yyFNIN7mv9— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 8, 2023Prior to the match, several concerns were raised about the pitch, which was previously used for the India-Pakistan encounter. Australian skipper Pat Cummins reportedly expressed concerns, while India captain Rohit Sharma remained silent on the issue. After the match, former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting stated that Indias pitch strategy for the final had backfired.What is the picture rating of Indias encounter in WC23The ICC report also revealed that five of Indias eleven matches in the tournament were played on average-rated pitches. These included games against South Africa in Kolkata, England in Lucknow, Pakistan in Ahmedabad, and Australia in Chennai. The only match played on a pitch rated good by the ICC was the semifinal against New Zealand in Mumbai, where the assessment was made by former Indian bowler Javagal Srinath.Earlier this week, Indian head coach Rahul Dravid reportedly blamed the Ahmedabad pitch for Indias loss in the final. He said that the pitch did not offer the expected turn for spin during the second innings, which restricted Indias bowling attack from scalping wickets and ultimately contributing to their defeat.The report from ICCs top governing body added to the speculations as some believe it was a fair and challenging surface while others argue that pitch played a significant role in Indias loss in the final.
