Wankhede curator Sudhir Naik has written a strongly-worded letter to BCCI calling for action against Indian Team Director Ravi Shastri and bowling coach Bharat Arun for abusive behaviour during the fifth and final one-dayer against South Africa here.
The controversy started when South Africa posted a mammoth 438 for four in the series-decider and Shastri is said to have passed a sarcastic remark to Naik about the nature of the pitch. According to Naik, the Indian team management had wanted a rank turner and wanted a specific part of the pitch to be watered. But the instructions were conveyed to the curators only a couple of days before the match.
"Whenever international match is there, we get a message from BCCI at least 10-12 days in advance about their requirements. This time we did not get any message. Two days before match, we got message that they want turning wicket.
"Wicket was already prepared hard with good binding. Whatever possible to do now was done, like no watering, cutting of grass at zero level and very little rolling," Naik wrote.
"Team management wanted us to water only good length area one day before the match. We as curators felt it is not advisable as two different shades will be seen."
The Mumbai Cricket Association has asked its vice-President Dilip Vengsarkar to enquire into the spat between Ravi Shastri and Wankhede Stadium curator Sudhir Naik.
"Sudhir Naik has given details of what happened at the stadium to MCA Managing Committee which has entrusted Dilip Vengsarkar with the task of finding a solution to the issue," said Ashish Shelar, another MCA VP, after its meeting.
Mohali pitch will be a good wicket: Pandove
Mohali: A good cricketing strip is in the offing for the Test series opener between India and South Africa at Mohali with the wicket to help fast bowlers initially and later spinners coming into play, Punjab Cricket Association Secy MP Pandove said.
"We have tried our best to make a good Cricketing wicket. It has something for everybody whether the batsmen or the bowlers," said Pandove.