'Rohit Sharma Ko Humein Batane Ki Zaroorat Nahi...': Inzamam-ul-Haq Responds After India Captain's 'Open Your Mind' Suggestion on Reverse Swing

Inzamam-ul-Haq hasn't taken kindly to Rohit Sharma's response. (AFP Photo)

Pakistan batting legend Inzamam-ul-Haq has clarified he wasn’t claiming that India are indulging in ‘ball-tampering’ to get the ball to reverse swing in the T20 World Cup 2024. However, he seems to have not  taken kindly to India captain Rohit Sharma’s explanation to his concern why Arshdeep Singh was able to generate reverse swing as early as in the 16th over of India’s Super 8 clash with Australia.

When Rohit was asked about Inzamam’s comment, he explained how the hot weather and dry pitch are aiding the ball to reverse in the Caribbean and that other teams are also managing to do so.

“What should I say now about this? You are playing in such hot sun, the wicket is so dry, the ball reverses automatically. It’s happening for all the teams, not only ours. All the teams are reverse-swinging.” Rohit had said.

However, Rohit’s suggestion that it’s “important to open your mind and understand the conditions” seems to have irritated Inzamam.

“Sometimes, it’s important to open your mind. “It’s important to understand what conditions you’re playing in. The match is not taking place in England or Australia,” Rohit had said.

Speaking on a show, the former Pakistan skipper said Rohit should refrain from teaching are of reverse swing to those who are credited for inventing it.

“Dimag to hum zarur apna khole lenge (Surely, we will have our minds open),” said Inzamam. “Pehli baat to ye ki isne ye kaha hai ki reverse swing ho raha hai. Dusri cheej ye ki 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 (First, he did admit that the ball is reverse swinging which means we were right. Secondly, there’s no need for Rohit to teach us why the ball reverses because we are the one who taught this to the world in first place).”

He then blamed the reporter for misquoting him.

“The reporter wrongly asked Rohit that I claimed they are tampering with the ball. All I said was that the umpires should keep their eyes open because the ball is reversing in the 15th over,” Inzamam said.

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