Ravi Shastri warns oppositions to not question Indian pitches

India has thumped South Africa in the recently concluded ODI and T20I series. After some lackluster performances in the Test series, Virat Kohli’s men defied the odds and registered comprehensive victories in the limited overs formats. They were clinical in all departments and outplayed the hosts throughout. They adjusted appropriately to the conditions gave the hosts a run for their money.

The victorious campaign also silenced their critics surrounding preparation of spin-friendly wickets at home and subsequently complaining about pace-conducive wickets abroad. After India’s triumph, Ravi Shastri rightfully delivered a stern message against the criticism hurled at the Indian team over the years in a recent interaction with the media.

No excuses for Shastri

“We don’t give excuses; we play on what we are offered. That’s how my boys play. And it’s a ground rule — no complaints, no excuses, it’s the same pitch for both teams,” the Indian head coach was quoted as saying by mid-day in an exclusive interview. Shastri also reiterated the fact wins in the Rainbow Nation doesn’t guarantee wins in other nations.

Also, he asked the opponents to never complain about the nature of the pitches in India. “I wouldn’t say that (wins in SA guarantee success in England and Australia). But we don’t complain about pitches. We go and play and the message is very clear — when you come to my country, never question the pitches because I will say, ‘take a fu****g walk’,” Shastri affirmed.

India’s upcoming assignment will be the T20 triangular tournament featuring Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. India and Sri Lanka will lock horns in the opening encounter of the event on March 6 at the iconic R.Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India has decimated the Proteas and will be looking to carry forward their rich vein of form to the upcoming Nidahas Trophy.