The last time when Indian team played an ODI at Wankhede Stadium, it was a run-fest for the visiting South African team, who posted a total of 438/4 on the board. Team India was bundled out on a score of 224, losing the game by a margin of 214 runs.
Following the game, Ravi Shastri, then the Director of team India, approached then chief Curator, Sudhir Naik and used foul language against him. Naik complained against Shastri, reporting the matter to MCA. He later quit the job in 2016 following the end of his contract with the board.
Team India has again arrived at Wankhede Stadium for an ODI game, and this time, Naik is a pitch consultant to MCA. Shastri is also the Head Coach of team India while Virat Kohli, the then Test captain, has taken over as full-time captain of team India in all the formats of the game.
Naik, this time, is happy with that no player or coach has approached him to inquire about the pitch which will be used for the contest,
“Nobody has come to me and asked me about the pitch. Since last season, I don’t think cricketers are bothered about the pitch. I see a big positive difference between the players and coach,” he told Mid-day.
Further, he also batted for Wankhede Stadium hosting more ODI matches,
“It’s been two years since Wankhede hosted an ODI. There should be more ODI matches here because foreign teams love playing here. They always like such type of wickets — good for batsmen and seamers,” he added.
Last year, Wankhede stadium hosted the fourth Test match between India and England. The home side defeated the visitors by a margin of an innings and 36 runs. Skipper Virat Kohli was the star of the game as he scored his third double century and a led the team from the front. The skipper will be looking to continue his run at Wankhede stadium this time as well.
Mumbai crowd though might not see their home man Ajinkya Rahane playing the contest due to the comeback of Shikhar Dhawan as an opener. However, there can be a case when Shardul Thakur might be included in the playing XI for the first ODI.