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Xtra Time Web Desk: There was a bit of a drama with the 22 yards for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 semi final between Indian and New Zealand at the Wankhede stadium. Indian captain Rohit Sharma and Head Coach Rahul Dravid was seen having a long discussion with BCCI Head of Curator Ashish Bhowmik before the practice started on Tuesday.

According to reports the Indian team management has asked BCCI curators to shave off most of the grass on the playing surface, deciding on their preference after the win over the Netherlands in Bengaluru. The wicket for the first semi-final will be played on a slow track.

Head Coach Rahul Dravid along with batting coach Vikram Rathour and bowling coach Paras Mhambrey rushed to the Wankhede stadium, the day they reached from Bengaluru. The team of support staffs were seen having an inspection with the BCCI Head curator along with MCA curator. It is now being learnt that the track will be slow although not a turner.

India have proved hard to beat on slow wickets at home in recent years, and chasing has proved difficult at the Wankhede during the tournament, with Glenn Maxwell’s heroic 200-run knock delivering the only successful pursuit in four games held there.

The Men in Blue head into the knockout match having won all nine of their group games, with star man Virat Kohli the event’s leading batsman with 594 runs and captain Rohit Sharma not far behind on 503 runs.