Rajasthan vs Mumbai, Ranji Trophy: Shardul Thakur Criticizes Jaipur Pitch
After Mumbai drew against Rajasthan in a Ranji Trophy match at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium, captain Shardul Thakur voiced his disappointment with the pitch, calling it substandard and unfavorable for balanced competition.
“I don’t think the pitch was up to the standards. Whatever bite it had was only on the first day and the first hour of the second day. Honestly speaking, we don’t expect these kinds of pitches in domestic cricket. It’s not good for the game as the wicket is too flat.”
Thakur noted that the pitch’s lack of assistance for bowlers limited the possibility of a result-oriented match. Mumbai’s fast bowlers struggled to take wickets, with Tushar Deshpande being the only successful pacer, claiming two wickets as Rajasthan amassed 617 for six.
“I wouldn’t say it’s the worst-ever pitch because it was a paradise for batters. But it did not help produce a result as it was too easy to score on. Matches should be played on surfaces that offer an even contest between batters and bowlers.”
Match Summary
- Fixture: Rajasthan vs Mumbai, Ranji Trophy
- Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
- Result: Draw
- Mumbai bowler highlight: Tushar Deshpande - 2 wickets
- Rajasthan innings: 617/6 declared
Author’s Summary
Shardul Thakur criticized the flat Jaipur pitch after Mumbai’s drawn Ranji game, urging for fairer wickets that ensure balanced contests between bat and ball.