Team India's Dravid Raises Concerns Over Nassau Stadium Conditions

Team India's Concerns Over Nassau Stadium Conditions Ahead of T20 World Cup

Team India's head coach Rahul Dravid has expressed concerns over the playing conditions at the Nassau Stadium in New York, where the team will play three of their four group stage matches in the upcoming T20 World Cup.

After their only warm-up game against Bangladesh at the venue on Saturday, Dravid shared his assessment of the conditions, pointing out that the ground was a bit soft and the pitch a bit spongy. He feared injury concerns and asked players to be watchful while playing at the new venue.

"The ground is a little bit soft. So I think the guys will feel that a little bit tomorrow on the hamstring and calves, so it is an area we have to ensure we are working around and ensure that the guys are looking after themselves because it does feel a little bit heavy underneath," Dravid said in a video posted by BCCI.

"Little bit spongy at times but I thought we coped really well. I thought we managed that really well. We batted and put what we thought was an above par score on that wicket. Then came out and bowled really well," he added.

India will play against Ireland, Pakistan, and the United States at the Nassau Stadium on June 5, 9, and 12, respectively, before moving to Florida for their final Group A game against Canada on June 15.

In the warm-up game against Bangladesh, India batted really well on a tricky track to post 182 for five. While keeper-batter Rishabh Pant fired a 32-ball 53 before retiring, all-rounder Hardik Pandya hit an unbeaten 23-ball 40 to lift India to a solid total. Bowlers then fired in unison to stop Bangladesh at 122 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Dravid's concerns stem from the fact that the Nassau Stadium is a newly built facility, and the playing surface may not have settled yet. He will be hoping that the conditions improve before India's first group stage match against Ireland on June 5.

Tags: #T20WorldCup, #TeamIndia, #NassauStadium, #PlayingConditions, #RahulDravid