Rohit Sharma: England Series Not A Dress Rehearsal For T20 World Cup
Rohit Sharma said India aren’t treating the five-match series against England as a “dress rehearsal” for the T20 World Cup. The experienced opening batsman’s comments follow England’s statement that they are looking to acclimatise against the tournament “favourites” in the series beginning Friday (March 12).
If you focus on the present, the future will be bright: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma said India aren’t looking too far ahead of themselves.
As he faced the media in a presser in Ahmedabad on Wednesday (March 10), Rohit revealed his team’s mantra, stating “if you focus on the present, the future will be bright”.
Rohit didn’t clear the air on his opening partner among KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, or whether Hardik Pandya will resume bowling. But the Indian vice-captain spoke on how he will be approaching the “long series” ahead.
“You are playing for India, your country, and there’s no rehearsal here,” he said. “It doesn’t matter which opposition you are playing against; you are wearing the national jersey and going out. For us, it is important to win the series and do our best. If you focus on the present, the future will be bright. We need to do the little things right.”
“It’s a five-match series, it’s a long series, we need to see where we stand as individuals and as a team but there’s no time for rehearsal. We need that mindset of winning each and every game that we play here.”
Rohit Sharma offers a word of healthy advice for Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav
Rohit also had a prudent piece of advice to share with his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammates, Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav, as they come to terms with their maiden India call-ups. Both Kishan and Suryakumar had a stellar IPL 2020 in UAE and have been rewarded for their efforts.
“I don’t want them to be thinking about anything,” Rohit said. “That’s how they bring their best performances out. Having watched them for a few years now, I realize that it’s important for them to come here and be part of this wonderful team, this great setup which has tasted success over the years. I want them to be having fun, understanding what this team is all about.”
“Keeping in mind that this is their first time into the squad, they will be nervous thinking about performances, so it’s important for people like me and other senior members and the coaching staff to tell that this is just another team that you’ve got to be part of and you have to enjoy that moment. Thinking of performances or whether they will get opportunities or not will only put more pressure.”
“It’s important for them to have fun, relax and be part of this wonderful setup. And then when the opportunity comes, I am sure these guys… who have done well in the last few years, will carry their form and put in performances. It’s not going to be easy here. They will be challenged every now and then, that is what international cricket is all about. How you respond to those challenges is crucial,” he added.
Hardik an integral part of the squad: Rohit Sharma
Rohit didn’t give any updates on all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who has been the Indian bubble since the start of the Test matches but hasn’t gotten a game. Will the change in format give Hardik his opportunity?
“I can’t reveal that,” said Rohit with a touch of humour attached to it.
“Hardik has been an integral part of the squad. He’s been working on his batting and bowling. It’s been a good month and a half that he’s been in the bubble and he’s done pretty much everything during those months to get ready for the series. Time has come for him to get ready and start doing what he does.”
“You’ll see on 12th how hard he’s worked on his batting and bowling,” he added.
Also Read: T20I Series 2021: Full Squad, Live Streaming, Where To Watch, Captain And Key Players