'New York is not our home ground... even the curator is confused': Rohit Sharma clueless about nature of controversial pitch after playing two games

The drop-in pitches at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, New York, have been under the scanner for producing low-scoring totals in T20 World Cup 2024 so far. Batters are not just facing problems scoring at a brisk pace but the pitch has behaved erratically with odd ball bouncing dangerously. One such delivery injured Indian skipper Rohit Sharma during the clash against Ireland on June 5. On the eve of the high-voltage encounter, Rohit went on to say that even the curator is confused about how the pitch will behave. 
 

"New York is not our home ground. We have played two matches here but we don't have much awareness about its nature. It behaves differently on different days, so even the curator is confused," Rohit said at the pre-match press conference.
 

"So, you can imagine the kind of thinking we need to put in. We don't know on which pitch we are playing (against Pakistan), so, whoever plays better cricket will win the match," he added.

Outfield under scanner as well

The International Cricket Council (ICC) had issued a statement acknowledging the sub-standard pitch after the low-scoring encounter between India and Ireland. Meanwhile, Rohit expressed his concerns regarding the slow outfield as well.
 

"The outfield is slow. Some shots get lot of bounce on the field, and some others do not roll on the field. So running between the wickets is important. We need to play as per conditions," he explained.
 

India have played two games in New York. Their only warm-up against Bangladesh was at the same venue as well. 

 

ALSO READ: Rohit Sharma explains why Yashasvi Jaiswal is not playing in T20 World Cup 2024, reveals he made up his mind during IPL 2024

 

Rohit focused on playing good cricket

However, Rohit wants to rule out factors like pitch conditions when the Indian side faces Babar Azam’s Pakistan. 
 

"Playing good cricket holds the key, not opposition, not pitch. Yes, it's tough but that's why I would like to highlight the experience we have. The blows count for nothing," said the 36-year-old. 
 

Pakistan were stunned in their campaign opener by the co-hosts USA. The game headed into super over after Haris Rauf failed to defend 15 runs in the final over. Mohammad Amir conceded too many extras as Pakistan suffered a historic defeat in super over.
 

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