Rohit eyes Pakistan ‘blockbuster’, says he wants to keep team relaxed

NEW DELHI: India skipper Rohit Sharma will be aware that the eyes of a billion and more Indian fans will be on them when they play their first match in the T20 World Cup on Sunday. The MCG will turn into a cauldron as India take on Pakistan, although weather could intervene. It is barely a year since India were outplayed by Pakistan in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and also in the Super 4s of the Asia Cup, and winning over its doubters will be half the battle won.

On Wedesday, the final warm-up tie against a strong New Zealand was abandoned without a ball being bowled after rain at the Gabba, Brisbane. India would be disappointed if they were looking to polish any rough edges. Rohit’s focus though was on the arch-rivals even while asking his teammates to stay calm and in the moment.

“Whenever we play Pakistan, it’s a blockbuster. People want to come out and watch and feel the atmosphere, more than anything else. Obviously, they want to enjoy the cricket as well, but at the same time, the atmosphere in the stadium for the fans, the spectators, even people watching from home—it’s pretty exciting,” the Indian skipper said after the washout. And for us as players, of course, it’s a big game—we are starting off our campaign. But at the same time, we want to just keep ourselves quite relaxed and focused on what we need to do as individuals, because that is going to be the key for us. If individuals can keep themselves calm and composed during the game, we’ll get the result that we’re looking for.”

How India’s top-order goes against Shaheen Shah Afridi, back from injury, will be the key after the fast bowler’s impact opening spell in the UAE opener. India are also looking to end their wait for an ICC title since the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy, which also saw Rohit’s career spurt after being promoted to open. Reaching Australia a fortnight earlier was to improve India’s chances.

“It’s a great feeling, we have come off two series wins (against Australia and South Africa), but that was at home,” Rohit said. “Australia will be a different challenge. It was important for us to get used to the conditions. Some of the guys had never been to Australia before; conditions will be challenging but that is why we came here early. When I look at the whole group, they are pretty excited.”

Some of the guys had never been to Australia before; conditions will be challenging but that is why we came here early