The war of words between former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq and India captain Rohit Sharma continues. Inzamam sparked controversy by accusing
Indian team of tampering with the ball to achieve reverse swing during their match against Australia in the T20 World Cup. He expressed skepticism that a young bowler like Arshdeep Singh could generate reverse swing as early as the 15th over of the innings.
Facing media queries before the semi-final clash against England, Rohit responded to Inzamam's allegations with amusement. He urged the former cricketer to be more open-minded and avoid making ‘outlandish’ claims without justification. Rohit further elaborated on the natural factors in the Caribbean that can aid reverse swing.
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Inzamam Ul Haq replies back to Rohit Sharma
The back-and-forth between Inzamam-ul-Haq and Rohit Sharma continues. Just days after Rohit Sharma urged Inzamam to be more open-minded about reverse swing, the former Pakistan captain has fired back. In an interview on a Pakistani news channel, Inzamam took aim at Rohit's comments. He acknowledged being open to explanations, but then pointed out that Rohit himself had admitted the ball was reversing. In a playful jab, Inzamam also reminded Rohit that Pakistan pioneered reverse swing, implying he didn't need lessons from the Indian captain.
"Dimag to hum zarur apna khole lenge," said Inzamam on Pakistan's News Channel while replying to Rohit's remark.
"First thing is that he (Rohit) has admitted that it's happening. So it means what we observed is correct. Second thing, Rohit Sharma ko humein batane ki zarurat nahi padni chahiye ke reverse swing kis tarah hota hai, kitni dhoop mei hota hai, kis pitch pe hota hai. Jo sikhane wale hain unko nahi yeh cheez sikhaya karte (there is no need for Rohit to tell us how reverse swing happens, under how much sun, on what pitch; you don't teach something to someone who actually taught it to the world)," he further added.
Inzamam went on to clarify his stance. He emphasized that he never accused India of illegal ball tampering. Instead, his comments focused on the need for umpires to be vigilant and monitor the condition of the ball throughout the match.
"The reporter asked the wrong question. I gave a suggestion to the umpires, to keep their eyes open because the ball is reverse-swinging in the 15th over. Still my advise to the umpires is the same, keep your eyes open as well as your mind. He (Rohit) just talked about mind, I am saying keep both eyes and mind open," Inzamam concluded.
India secured their spot in the T20 World Cup final with a convincing 68-run victory over England in the second semifinal. This sets the stage for a thrilling title clash against South Africa. For India, this is a chance to claim their second T20 World Cup crown, their first since 2007. South Africa, on the other hand, will be aiming to lift their maiden World Cup trophy in any format.
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