"What was the controversy?": Shubman Gill gives candid response over WC semifinal pitch debate

On Wednesday in Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium, the Indian Cricket Team played magnificently against New Zealand in the semifinal match of the ICC ODI World Cup 2023. Rohit Sharma's team won the toss and elected to bat first, setting a challenging score of 397/4 in 50 overs. Team India was able to restrict the Black Caps to 327 (all out) in 48.5 overs and beat them by 70 runs. They will now play the final on Sunday at the Narendra Modi stadium in Ahmedabad.

3 things you need to know

• India were 397/4 after 50 overs of their respective innings
• Team India restricted New Zealand to 327 runs  (all out) in 48.5 overs
• India reached the ICC ODI World Cup final 2023

Also Read: Mohammed Shami breaks massive ODI World Cup record

Shubman Gill says he was unaware of the IND vs NZ 2023 pitch dispute

India won the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand by a score of 70 runs. The Men in Blue were dominant with the bat from the start as they put up a strong 397/4 and owing to Mohammed Shami's 7 wicket haul, they were able to held the brave Kiwis to 327.

Prior to the tournament, media sources claimed that the ICC was not thrilled that the semi-final will be held on a used surface instead of a brand-new one. However, declarations from the ICC and BCCI set the record straight and allayed any doubts that might have been expressed.

At a news conference held after the game, the team—especially Shubman Gill reacted to questions regarding this. Shubman Gill said:

“I just found out that there was a controversy about the pitch. You told me. Kya controversy thi? [What was the controversy?]"

Even though India amassed a daunting 397/4, New Zealand presented a serious threat, especially with Daryl Mitchell (134) and Kane Williamson (69) combining to make a massive 181 runs for the third wicket.

Reflecting on the game, Gill acknowledged the anticipated difficulty of bowling under lights. He did, however, convey his opinion that India was about to take control of the match, stressing that taking a few key wickets would have tipped the scales in their favour. He added:

“Honestly, I think we knew it was going to be challenging, especially under lights. Once the new ball gets a bit old, it is a bit difficult for bowlers here to contain runs. So, we knew it's going to be challenging, but what was important for us was to just keep bowling the areas where we wanted to bowl and wait for them to make a mistake. And that's what we did,” 

“And I think at one point, Daryl and Kane, the partnership that they had, it was looking a bit challenging with such big scores. But, you know, a couple of wickets here and there, you're always in the game,”

Also Read: India Beat New Zealand, secure place in the final

India can end their ICC trophy drought

Indian Cricket Team will play the winner of the second semi final between Australia and South Africa on November 19, 2023 in Ahmedabad. Rohit Sharma is just one win away from ending India’s 10 year ICC trophy drought at the Narendra Modi Stadium.