T20 World Cup 2024

‘The biggest challenge for us would be…’ – Rohit Sharma makes big statement ahead of Pakistan clash

India and Pakistan will be drawing swords with each other for the third time this year after clashing with each other in this year’s Asia Cup twice and now they will face off against each other in an all-important clash in their first game of the 20-20 World Cup.

Weather reports are saying that rain is expected to play spoilsport in the encounter. There was a heavy downpour on Friday, ahead of the arch-rival clash, Rohit Sharma gave an insight into the team’s preparations and also hinted at what the composition of the side could be in the press conference.

“In hindsight, if you look at it, toss becomes a little important when there is rain threat. But again, I have been hearing about the Melbourne weather for a while now, it keeps changing. You do not know what is going to happen tomorrow, what is in our control, we will try to look after that. We need to come here thinking it will be a 40-over game, if the situation demands, if it is a shorter game, we will be ready for it. The players know how to manage themselves if the game is reduced, 10 over each or 5 over each. Luckily, we played a game in India where it was an 8-over game,” said Rohit.

It is a challenge to not win a trophy for nine years: Rohit

India have not won a marquee tournament since 2013 ever since the MS Dhoni-led side clinched the Champions Trophy that year. From then on India have not been able to get its hands on the big title in World Tournaments. They have played cricket but have always fallen short. In the last 20-20 World Cup, they crashed out of the group stages. The challenge for India is to win the big title.

“Yes, it is a challenge to not win a trophy for nine years, if I am not wrong. The last one we won was in 2013. It has been a challenge with the team like us, there is lot of expectations, we are certainly a little disappointed with that. This tournament gives us that chance to change it and do well. We certainly know we have to play our best cricket to do well here. We need to take it one game at a time, and then go ahead,” he added.

Talking about Pakistan here is what Rohit had to say – “I do not want to use this word pressure, but it is constant. It is not going to change ever. I would like to take this as challenge. This Pakistani team is a very challenging team, all the Pakistan teams I have played against from 2007 to 2022, In a World Cup, I do not think you cannot underestimate any team,” he added.