IND vs NZ: Dharamsala's tricky outfield dubbed a 'minefield', fans show support to Indian fielders

While Team India faced criticism for their dropped catches in the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 match against New Zealand, fans have shown support for the fielders who refrained from diving to prevent fours, particularly the fast bowlers. Why? It's due to the challenging outfield conditions at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.

READ | IND vs NZ: Team India drops catches, netizens ask 'who is getting the medal today?' 

Distinct sandy patches marred the inner circle, and rough grass extended towards the boundary, especially near the media centre end. 

India's captain, Rohit Sharma, briefly left the field after sustaining a hand injury while trying to stop a run at wide mid-off during the tenth over. Rohit slid to his left, inadvertently injuring his fingers while fielding. Even Jasprit Bumrah refrained from attempting dives to prevent the ball from reaching the boundary. 

While some criticized the Indian fielders for their lack of effort, many defended the players, likening the outfield to a 'minefield.'

Earlier, England captain Jos Buttler had also expressed his frustration with the outfield conditions, stating, "I feel it’s a poor outfield. If you feel like you’re having to hold yourself back, it’s not a place you want to be as a fielder. You want to put your body on the line save every run and have confidence in the field. It’s not as good as it could or should be."

At the time of writing this article, 48 overs had been bowled, and New Zealand had posted 260 runs while losing 8 wickets. Mohammed Shami had claimed four wickets, while Kuldeep Yadav had two to his name. Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah each had one wicket.