World Cup 2023: Hope They Will All Shut Up - Gavaskar Slams 'Morons' Who Criticized Mumbai Pitch Ahead Of IND vs NZ Semi-Final

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Legendary Sunil Gavaskar on Wednesday (November 15) slammed the pitch critics, labelling them as 'morons' after the pitch switch controversy ahead of the India vs New Zealand ICC World Cup 2023 semi-final 1 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Just before the semi-final, there were reports flying around about the pitch being changed from a fresh one to a used surface to suit the home side, but total of 724 runs were scored in 98.5 overs on a pitch which was termed slow.

According to a report from the Daily Mail, the semi-final in Mumbai was initially scheduled to be played on a fresh wicket (pitch 7) but was switched to a used surface (pitch 6) that had previously staged two games in the tournament.

Opting to bat, centuries from Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer powered India to 397 before Mohammed Shami's 7-wicket haul bundled New Zealand to 327 All Out to seal a 70-run win that also saw them reach the final.

While there was much talk of spin having an impact even in the pre-match pitch report, it was speedster Shami who did damage with the ball. After the match, Gavaskar didn't hold back on people criticizing the Mumbai pitch and those accusuing India of switching pitch to suit their bowlers.

"This has been such a good pitch to bat on. We've had nearly 730 runs scored here. All those morons who were talking about the pitch being changed and that it would do the Indian bowlers a favour, I hope they will just shut up," Gavaskar said when speaking to Star Sports.

"Stop taking potshots at India just because it helps you get eyeballs. Nonsense. Even if the pitch was changed, it was there before the toss for both the teams. It wasn't changed in the mid-innings. It wasn't changed after the toss was done.

"The pitch was the same for both teams. You are a good enough team, you play on that pitch and you win. And India has done that. So stop talking about pitches."

The former Indian cricketer also slammed the critics for already talking about the pitch being changed for the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, where India will play the winner of South Africa vs Australia semi-final.

"Already they're talking about the pitch in Ahmedabad [the venue for the final]. The second semi-final hasn't even taken place, you're talking about the pitch being changed in Ahmedabad. Nonsense," Gavaskar added.