Rohit Sharma, Team India’s white-ball vice-captain, revealed that the team went into the match against Afghanistan with a “fearless” mindset, which helped them win for the first time in the T20 World Cup 2021.
In the Super 12 match on Wednesday, India trounced Afghanistan by 66 runs. After losing the toss in Abu Dhabi, India batted first and put up an impressive 210 for 2. Rohit Sharma led the way with 74 runs, while KL Rahul chipped in with 69. After that, the bowlers limited the opposition to 144 for 7.
When asked about India’s remarkable victory, Rohit openly acknowledged that the squad tried to play the style of cricket they desired in the first two games but were unable to do so.
“We know that if we lose any game from now on, we are out of the tournament. So we have to win everything. When you are in that kind of a situation, you have to play fearlessly and not think about what is happening elsewhere.” Rohit said
“The approach today from everyone was different and I wish it was in the first two games as well, but it didn’t happen. That can happen when you are on the road for a long time. Decision-making can sometimes be a problem and that is exactly what happened in the first two games. We are a very good team, it is just that we were not good on that particular day against Pakistan and New Zealand. The game we played today sums it up that this is the kind of team we are. When we play fearlessly, this is what we get.” The 34-year-old elaborated
The seasoned opener refuted the notion that the batsmen suffered in the first two games because they were adjusting to their new responsibilities after returning from the IPL.
KL Rahul
“All these guys, if I look at the top six-seven batters – myself, Rahul, Surya, Virat, Pant and Jaddu (Jadeja). These guys have been playing for a long time. So they don’t need to be told what they need to do in the Indian team. What they do for their franchise is their lookout, but when they come here, they know their roles. It is not that they are playing the first or second game for the team. They have been here for a long time and understand their roles.” He countered
Apart from Rohit and Rahul, Rishabh Pant (27* off 13) and Hardik Pandya (35* off 13) both contributed well with the bat.
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