Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh blamed the pitch for Team India’s defeat at the Narendra Modi Stadium which was used for the 2023 World Cup final between India and Australia on Sunday. However, Australian captain Pat Cummins won an important toss and opted to field first which worked for them. Australia then restricted the in-form Indian batting lineup to a below-par 240 on a sluggish pitch and then reached the target in 43 overs with six wickets to spare as well.

Speaking to India Today, Harbhajan Singh said, “I think it was the kind of pitch which was on the slower side. It was drier than the usual pitch. You know, I would have liked to see a pitch where a lot of scores like 300 plus been scored. That sort of pitch would have India more than this kind of pitch where, you know, you bring your opposition in the game. You know where your batters were in such great form. They looked really good throughout the tournament, and they were fantastic and very, very proud of them. The way they play their cricket. I think, a slightly better pitch would help them to perform better than what happened.”

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However, despite a blistering start from Rohit Sharma (47 off 31), the Indian batters failed to contribute much in the middle overs. Meanwhile, the Aussies played well against the Indian spinners, with opener Travis Head hitting a match-winning 137 off 120 balls as well. And, Harbhajan Singh felt that Team India was the superior side heading into the 2023 World Cup final but stated that the Australians played the better cricket on the big day as well.

“I believe India was the superior side. You ask anyone. Yesterday before the game, I spoke to a couple of my Aussie friends who I played with in my era. And all of them, they said, India is just top side, and it will be India all the way, But, of course, the Australian team they came out with the plan, they executed well, and they played fantastic cricket,” concluded Harbhajan Singh. “And, of course, if the wicket was on slightly on a better side, one with the ball coming nicely onto the bat, Uh, you know, I think, we would have enjoyed more.”