Rohit Sharma Responds to Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Allegations of Ball Tampering

In a recent press conference, Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma addressed allegations made by former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq regarding ball tampering during India’s Super 8 match against Australia in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

Rohit Sharma dismissed the allegations, stating, “It’s so hot here plus the dry pitches. If it won’t reverse swing here where will it? We aren’t playing in England or Australia.” This response came in the wake of Inzamam-ul-Haq’s comments on a Pakistani news channel, where he accused the Indian team of “working on the ball” to generate reverse swing.

The controversy arose after Inzamam specifically referenced Arshdeep Singh’s bowling performance against Australia on June 24, where signs of reverse swing were observed earlier than expected. Inzamam questioned how Indian bowlers managed to achieve reverse swing with a relatively new ball, which typically only happens with an older ball.

Rohit Sharma Responds to Inzamam-ul-Haq’s Allegations of Ball Tampering

Rohit Sharma’s comments suggest that the conditions in Guyana, where the match was played, are conducive to reverse swing due to the hot weather and dry pitches. He emphasized that if reverse swing is not possible in these conditions, it would be even more unlikely in countries like England or Australia, where the pitches are generally more conducive to seam and swing bowling.

The Indian cricket team has faced similar allegations in the past, most notably when Sachin Tendulkar was suspended for one game in 2001 for scuffing the ball’s seam during a Test match against South Africa. However, the current allegations by Inzamam-ul-Haq have been met with strong denials from the Indian team and its captain.

As the T20 World Cup 2024 progresses, it remains to be seen whether these allegations will have any impact on the tournament or the Indian team’s performance. The team is set to face England in the semi-finals, and Rohit Sharma’s response to the allegations suggests that they are focused on the task at hand and determined to prove their innocence on the field.