Captain Rohit Sharma throughout the press convention forward of the ICC Cricket World Cup finals in opposition to Australia in Ahmedabad on November 18, 2023.
| Photo Credit: ANI
Captain Rohit Sharma on November 18 mentioned his gamers perceive the stress of being Indian cricketers and stay “calm and composed” for the World Cup closing in opposition to five-time champions Australia.
The hosts are undefeated in 10 matches and can eye their first world trophy in over a decade in entrance of round 130,000 followers on the world’s greatest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad on November 19.
“Leading up to every game we have been quite composed, quite calm about what we want to do, because we know how it is outside the environment we have,” Rohit informed reporters.
“The expectations and the pressure, criticism and everything, so it’s important we stick to our strength and what we want to do as a team.”
“Inside what they (players) feel I can’t tell you, but when they are around the group, everybody seems to be quite relaxed and calm. Being an Indian cricketer you have deal with pressure, that’s a given, it’s there.”
India final gained the World Cup in 2011 at house underneath M.S. Dhoni with the cricket crazy-country erupting in pleasure as 1000’s took to the streets to have fun.
Two years later, Dhoni led India to the 2013 Champions Trophy, however the cricketing powerhouse faltered on the World Cup semi-final stage in 2015 and 2019.
This time round, Rohit’s group has lived as much as their billing of pre-tournament favourites with an ideal exhibiting within the league stage after which a 70-run win over New Zealand within the semi-final.
“Emotionally it’s a big thing, a big occasion,” mentioned 36-year-old Rohit.
“So along with me, all the other 10 players who will play on the ground tomorrow, their focus will be more on their work for the team, rather than thinking about, this is the biggest moment of my life.”
‘Win it for Dravid’
Fellow cricket superpower Australia are into their eighth World Cup closing.
They have gained eight matches on the bounce after two opening losses, together with a six-wicket defeat to India after they had been bowled out for simply 199.
“They’ve won eight out of eight and they played it really well. So, it’s going to be a good contest,” mentioned Rohit.
“Both teams deserve to be at this stage playing the finals and we understand the importance of what Australia can do. They are a very complete side and for us again what is important is to focus on what we want to do as a team.”
Rohit he needs to win the title for coach Rahul Dravid who was a part of the India group which suffered a crushing 125-run defeat by the hands of Australia within the 2003 World Cup closing in Johannesburg.
In 2007, India didn’t qualify for the knockout levels when Dravid was captain.
“His role has been absolutely massive,” mentioned Rohit. “Clearly, looking at how Rahul himself has played his cricket and how I am playing these days, obviously it’s quite contrasting.
“For him to agree and give me that freedom and liberty to go and play the way we want to play, that says a lot about him.”
Rohit added: “Obviously, what he has done for Indian cricket is massive. And he also feels that he wants to be part of this big occasion. And it’s for us to do it for him.”
Source: www.thehindu.com
