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India captain Rohit Sharma has expressed dissatisfaction with the pitch ratings by the ICC, emphasizing the need for a more consistent approach. Following the conclusion of the Newlands Test in under two days, the shortest completed Test in history, Sharma called for a fair evaluation of pitches in India. With 33 wickets falling in less than five sessions due to challenging conditions, Sharma urged for a focus on the actual challenges faced by players rather than discussions about the pitches.

Addressing concerns about pitch assessments, Rohit Sharma referenced the ODI World Cup, highlighting his disbelief in the below-average rating of the World Cup final pitch in Ahmedabad, where a batsman (Australia’s Travis Head) scored a century. He stressed the importance of evaluating pitches based on performance rather than associating ratings with specific countries.

Sharma acknowledged the preference for challenging pitches and expressed his support for them. However, he emphasized the need for neutrality in pitch ratings, especially when comparing conditions in different venues with varying overhead conditions. Sharma questioned the fairness of accepting seam movement from the first ball while criticizing spin on Day 1 in India.

Reflecting on the two-Test series that concluded within five days, Sharma lamented the absence of a third match, which could have provided a fitting conclusion to the intense rivalry between India and South Africa. He suggested that better preparation and shot selection in the first Test might have influenced the outcome.

Regarding the performance of younger batters, Sharma downplayed the importance of their individual returns, emphasizing the learning curve they experienced during the series. He stressed the need to instill confidence in the younger players and allow them to play their natural game, even if it did not translate into significant runs in this series.