Rohit Sharma ignited the 2023 World Cup with his daring and aggressive batting style, exploiting India’s familiar conditions to kickstart their nearly triumphant campaign in the 50-over championship.
Amassing close to 600 runs (597) at a strike rate exceeding 126, he emerged as one of the standout performers of the tournament.
Fast forward to the United States and New York, where the format and conditions present a stark contrast.
The pitches are challenging, wreaking havoc on batting line-ups. ‘
In this backdrop, is Rohit ready to maintain his fearless approach against bowlers? No, he aims for a more balanced approach, showing respect for the demanding conditions.
“On the eve of the game against Pakistan in the Twenty20 World Cup,” the skipper stated, “I want to play my game in a very balanced way.
I don’t want to be too aggressive or too cautious.
I want to find that right balance.
The conditions do matter, and here in New York, you don’t feel you can play as freely or aggressively as in other venues.
So, you’ve got to be mindful.”
India’s first match, a comfortable eight-wicket win over Ireland, saw Rohit as the highest scorer with an unbeaten 52 off 37 deliveries, striking at 140.
What distinguished this innings was his willingness to wait rather than rushing in.
Facing Pakistan, Rohit seeks to strike a balance between caution and aggression against a tougher opposition.
“Someone has to put pressure on the bowlers,” Rohit emphasized, “to try something different.
Otherwise, it’s a very easy game.
Unless batters try something different, the bowlers won’t change their plan too much.
There’s a reason we’re playing eight batters; someone has to play freely at the top and see if they can put pressure and get those runs quickly.”
Apart from Rohit, Virat Kohli stands as another key batter for India against arch-rivals Pakistan.
Kohli’s consistent performances could be a significant advantage for India and a challenge for Pakistan.
Yet, Rohit stresses the team’s collective strength over individual brilliance.
“I don’t want to rely on one or two individuals,” Rohit emphasized, “to win us the game.
All of us need to contribute…everyone needs to chip in their best possible way.”
Regarding the advantage of playing two games already in New York compared to Pakistan’s lack of practice here, Rohit acknowledged the experience but emphasized the unpredictability of conditions.
“The team that plays good cricket that day will win,” he concluded.
“Not because we spent more time in New York, but because we adapt and play well on that particular day.”
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