PUNE: The last match that Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium hosted ahead of the IPL saw the pitch get a poor rating from ICC as the Test match between India and Australia ended in the post-tea session on Day 3.
There was cause for concern ahead of the start of the T20 meet. However, so far, it has been smooth sailing as all three matches held here have seen combined totals of over 320 and the venue is one among three (Hyderabad and Rajkot being the other two) to have seen totals of over 200.
One man, in particular, had faced a lot of ire after the Test match debacle, from BCCI top guns to the media — MCA chief curator Pandurang Salgaoncar. He was glad to see that the IPL matches in Pune were competitive and his biggest joy is seeing the stadium choc-a-bloc with people, going back home happy after seeing a riveting contest.
“Nobody wants to see one-sided games, especially, in such a short format. An ideal T20 pitch should have something for both bowlers and batsmen. I know runs are of paramount importance, but being a former fast bowler myself, I also like to see good contest between bat and ball,” he told Express.
In terms of close contests, Pune has delivered. Out of the three matches, two have gone down to the wire, with Rising Pune Supergiant beating Sunrisers Hyderabad with virtually the last ball of the match and Pune getting the better of Mumbai in the first Maha Derby with one ball to spare.
Among venues, only Wankhede Stadium (Mumbai) is tied with Pune while Delhi’s Feroz Shah Kotla has seen one close encounter so far.For the IPL, the groundstaff have prepared three strips with two being used so far. According to a member of the staff, the decision on which pitch to use is taken after looking at the wear and tear of the surface.
When asked to speak regarding the controversy, Salgaoncar didn’t want to get dragged into the mess once again.
“See, the wicket was prepared by me but BCCI pitch committee members changed it at the last moment. I had protested but ultimately, I had no say. I don’t want to take names. I have been associated with pitch-making for the last 20-25 years. I love cricket and my job and I will continue to produce good wickets.”
Pune are set to take on second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders here on Wednesday.
ayantan@newindianexpress.com