Row over Wankhede pitch continues, MCA assures renovation

Controversy regarding the Wankhede pitch started after India-South Africa fifth ODI

Recently, Mumbai's Wankhede stadium’s pitch has been alleged to be in favour of batsmen. The controversy that started after Team India’s ODI against South Africa, was fueled by the outcome of the Ranji Trophy match between Mumbai and Uttar Pradesh.

In the Mumbai ODI, the Proteas had put up a total of 438 runs on the scoreboard and defeated India by a margin of 214 runs. After this match, the host team’s director Ravi Shastri had allegedly abused pitch curator Sudhir Naik. Shastri later clarified that he was disappointed with the pitch but he did not abuse the curator.

The strip at Wankhede Stadium was once again questioned when in a recent Ranji Trophy match Mumbai scored a mammoth total of 610-9. Uttar Pradesh replied with 440 and 110-1 in their two innings. Following this, Mumbai team’s management had urged Board for Control of Cricket in India (BCCI) to allow them play the next Ranji match against Railways at another ground. This is a ground in Bandra-Kurla Complex that is facilitated by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). BCCI did not give them permission as there was no time for the board’s members of pitch and grounds committee to inspect the venue.

Talking about the pitch at Wankhede, MCA vice president Dilip Vengsarkar told Times of India, “Maybe we have to change the top layer of the wicket. Maybe the red soil which was used was not of good quality. I spoke to Sudhir Naik (curator), but whatever we do can only be started at the end of May next year. Not much change can be brought about now.” The former India captain is hoping that a sporting wicket will be ready before the Mumbai-Railways Ranji match starts from Sunday.

A former curator of Wankhede, Nadim Menon believes that the present Wankhede wicket is suitable only for T20 tournaments. He told TOI, “The pitch there has been completely changed in recent years. It is not the Wankhede wicket at all. The wicket is meant for only T20 tournaments. Given the current state of affairs, the Wankhede does not have pitches good enough to host international and first class games."

After the incident involving Ravi Shastri and Sudhir Naik, Sanjay Manjrekar tweeted that it was wrong on Team India director’s part. However, while talking to Mid Day, Kapil Dev voiced his support for Shastri. The former India skipper said, “I completely support Shastri. The home team should always play to their comfort and that suit them, not the opponents. When you go to South Africa or anywhere, you get to play on the pitches that are against you.”