Rohit Sharma's bruised bicep is expected to heal in time for the game against Pakistan on Sunday, but the condition of the Nassau County ground's pitch, described as "bordering on dangerous with huge open cracks," has raised concerns among cricket stakeholders promoting the T20 World Cup in America. India began their campaign with an eight-wicket win in a low-scoring match against Ireland, who were bowled out for 96 in just 16 overs. Rohit, who scored a half-century in the successful chase, was hit on his right bicep by pacer Josh Little and had to retire hurt.
"Look, we definitely want to promote cricket in America, but this pitch is not safe for players. If we had a pitch like this in India, a match would never be played there again for a very long time," he said on Star Sports.
"This pitch is definitely not good. I mean, we are talking about the World Cup here, not even a bilateral series," he asserted.
T20 World Cup Pitch Criticized By Experts
The ball that struck him unexpectedly rose from a length on a pitch that offered significant uneven bounce. Rishabh Pant was also hit on his left elbow during his unbeaten 36. A senior BCCI source told PTI under anonymity that Rohit's injury isn't serious, noting that it's just a bit sore and he should be fine for the Pakistan game, with two practice sessions remaining before the match.
"Trying to sell the game in the states is great.. love it.. but for players to have to play on this sub-standard surface in New York is unacceptable… You work so hard to make it to the WC then have to play on this," he wrote on his X handle.
Beyond the injury concerns, the pitch, a drop-in one brought from Adelaide specifically for the World Cup, has drawn criticism. India is set to play two more games at this stadium.
Irfan Pathan, the Player of the Final from India's 2007 T20 World Cup victory, openly criticized the pitch, calling it unsafe. Rohit was perplexed by the pitch's behavior and admitted uncertainty about what to expect against Pakistan. The team's batting coach, Vikram Rathour, was more reserved in his comments.
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