The high-octane clash betwen India and Pakistan in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2023 was disrupted by rain on quite a few occasions. As the rain played spoilsport, the game had to be shifted to the reserve day to continue play.

However, everyone would agree that the ground staff at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo did a commendable job in keeping the ground dry and preparing it for play after the rain dispersed. 

Continuing on the same theme, ace Indian batter Virat Kohli came forward to applaud the effort that was put in by the ground staff across the two days that helped both sides continue play. It is worth noting that it is due to the ground staff’s diligence and hard work that every over was played on reserve day. 

"A loud shout out to all the groundsmen for the work they have put in to make this game possible. They did a fantastic job," Virat Kohli said in the post-match presentation ceremony as he received his Player of the Match award. 

We would like to thank them as a team: Rohit Sharma

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma also took centre stage to laud the efforts of the ground staff in maintaining the pitch and the surface. Rohit opined that it was due to the support from the ground staff that the players were able to get some much-needed game time and even thanked the workers for their efforts. 

"We are happy to get some game time. Lot of guys did not have game time, and that was great support from the groundsman as well. From the get-go, they were right on the money. I know how difficult it was to come and do the job, and do it the next day. We would like to thank them as a team," Sharma said in the post-match presentation. 

"It was important to get some game time. It was more possible due to these guys who have put in the effort," he added. (CT)