‘Won’t go much into it, that’s match referee's reading’ - Rahul Dravid opens up on Indore pitch's ‘poor’ rating

Ahead of the fourth and final Test match of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, India head coach Rahul Dravid gave his verdict on ICC handing the demerit points to the Indore pitch. Prior to the series, the pitches were subject to much speculation, as many accused the Indian management of ‘doctoring’ the surface to assist the home side.

Following the conclusion of the third Test at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, ICC slapped three demerit points, rating the pitch as ‘poor’. During a pre-match presser, head coach Rahul Dravid provided his take and stated that the side is focused on winning the final red-ball clash.

“Won’t go too much into it, that’s match referee's reading. With WTC points at stake, you look to play on wickets that produce results. 109 were less in the first innings last game. 60-70 more could have made the difference. The Ahmedabad pitch (fourth Test) looks okay. Lot of talk around pitches. Whatever it is, we have to learn to play on them,” told Dravid during the pre-match conference," the head coach said.

India on the cusp of cementing WTC Final berth

Following the daunting nine-wicket defeat in the third Test at Indore, Rohit Sharma-led India are vying for a victory in their final red-ball outing. The dominant Aussies have already cemented their berth in the finals of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-23 cycle.

Either India or Sri Lanka will play Australia in the finals of the event starting on June 7 at The Oval in London. The Lankan Lions could spoil the party for India, if they sweep New Zealand in their two-Test series away from home.

However, team India seem to be in a decent position considering the side requires a win in the final Test match to cement their berth in the global ICC event finale. Moreover, as Sri Lanka have the harder assignment to obtain a series sweep, it remains to be seen if India capitalise and firm up their place in the red-ball event.